Essendon youngster Matt Guelfi has been lauded for his “enormous” pressure acts on debut in the resurgent Bombers’ 22-point win over previously unbeaten Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium yesterday.

Coach John Worsfold heaped praise on the 20-year-old Claremont product, who was overlooked in two national drafts before being taken as a speculative pick at No.76 overall last year.

“He doesn’t mind hitting in hard and he did some great acts for the team,” Worsfold said post-match.

“And then he made some really clever decisions with the ball in hand as well.”

Assistant coach Mark Harvey was equally impressed.

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“His pressure around the midfield – and he was more often than not on the wing – was enormous for a first-gamer,” Harvey told SEN.

Renowned for his hard work, Guelfi added 5kg of muscle to his frame over summer to prepare himself for life at the top level.

It paid off as he had 17 disposals at 70 per cent efficiency, six inside-50s and two tackles in a strong first-up display.

Guelfi is likely to be rewarded with more games as Essendon navigate a tricky schedule in the coming weeks.

They meet Collingwood in the traditional Anzac Day blockbuster on Wednesday week before taking Melbourne and Hawthorn in the following 10 days.