Archer May and Lachlan Blakiston will become the first mid-season rookies to debut when they run out for Essendon at the MCG on Saturday, just weeks after being drafted out of the WAFL.

May was selected with pick No.6 by the Bombers earlier this month after a stellar but short time with Subiaco, kicking 12 goals in six games for the Lions.

The 20-year-old went on to play his first VFL game for the Bombers on Sunday with his one goal, 13 disposals and five mark outing enough for coach Brad Scott to hand him an opportunity against Geelong.

“I wasn’t sure why Brad was calling or if he was giving me VFL instructions, but I was genuinely speechless when he said I was in,” May said.

“I am over the moon with excitement and so grateful for the opportunity. I’ve done a lot of work to get to where I am so when I rang Mum and Dad, they were both so proud.

“Fifteen days ago I was playing at Subiaco, and now, I’m being told I’m playing at the MCG, it is honestly crazy.

“On Saturday I just want to stay present and focus on what I can contribute to the team and hopefully make the Bomber fans proud.”

Meanwhile, East Fremantle ruckman Blakiston — who was taken with pick No.13 — will come in to lead the ruck just weeks after playing for the Sharks.

The 203cm ruckman is a late bloomer, having only played amateur football a few weeks ago.

“I was doing some housework and missed a call from Brad, I rang him back and he told me I’d be in the senior side this week. I couldn’t believe it. It was just sheer excitement and emotion,” Blakiston said.

“A few years ago, I was playing local footy, and now I’m playing on the MCG. I never felt that the dream of AFL was realistic for me, so to now be achieving that goal is incredible.

“When I rang my family Dad was speechless, Mum was in tears, and my partner Sophie was screaming. They’re just wrapped.

“I can’t wait to run out onto the ‘G on Saturday. It will be a real dream come true.”

May and Blakiston will become the ninth and 10th debutants for the injury-hit Bombers this season alongside Isaac Kako, Jaxon Prior, Tom Edwards, Saad El-Hawli, Archer Day-Wicks, Lewis Hayes, Angus Clarke and Zak Johnson.

They were two of four WAFL players taken in the mid-season rookie draft alongside Western Bulldogs defender Michael Sellwood (Peel Thunder) and Collingwood wingman Roan Steele (West Perth).

Speaking ahead of the draft, May opened up on what changed for him to go from Richmond VFL discard to AFL ready.

“I really put my head down over the off-season, I got myself a running coach and trained with a number of AFL players,” he said. “I set out to improve my speed, agility and marking craft.

“I had massive growth in the gym, in my speed numbers and also my 2km time trial. I think that preparation has set me in good stead to start the year off well.”