Essendon is pleased to announce mid-season recruit Will Snelling will make his senior debut for the Bombers against Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.

Snelling arrived at The Hangar in May after being selected by the Bombers with pick seven in the NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft after playing a starring role in the first half of the SANFL season with West Adelaide.

The tough onballer spent three seasons with Port Adelaide from 2016 to 2018, playing one senior game in the final round of the 2016 season and claiming last year’s best and fairest for the club in the SANFL.

Snelling has immediately translated his red-hot South Australian form in the VFL since donning the sash, booting five goals and averaging 26.2 disposals and 7.7 tackles from six games to earn a deserved senior call-up.



Snelling's VFL form has been too hot to ignore. (Photo: AFL Photos)

Coach John Worsfold said it was a dream debut scenario for the 21-year-old.

"It’s amazing how it works out. We really need him to come into the team this week, he’s in really good form and it happens to be in Adelaide," Worsfold said.

"It’s wonderful for him, we’re really excited.

"He was having a great year in Adelaide this year, got the opportunity (to come to Essendon) and hasn’t missed a beat, really. He’s been in great form and I’m looking forward to seeing him out there."

The first bounce is set for 7:20pm (ACST) on Friday night.