Perkins delivers for Dons in spades

ESSENDON had tagged Archie Perkins as a player with plenty of “x-factor” who would “excite” Bombers fans for many years to come after last year’s AFL Draft.

In his debut season, Perkins is already delivering on that promise and can lay claim to having kicked more goals than an entire opposition team in the 14th match of his career.

The 19-yearold kicked three goals against an Adelaide side that managed just two majors last Friday in a performance that earnt him the round 17 NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.

The forward’s night also saw him log 18 disposals, four marks and nine score involvements for a total of 101 KFC SuperCoach points.

“I was pretty happy to just hit the scoreboard and get among the game,” he said.

“I had quite a few shots, although I missed a few as well. But it was just good to get my confidence up a bit.”

Selected with the ninth pick in last year’s national draft, Perkins has not missed a game since making his debut against St Kilda in round 3.

He is the third Rising Star nominee from Essendon in six weeks, following in the footsteps of Harrison Jones (round 14) and Nik Cox (round 12) in what is an exciting young Bombers side.

“It’s great being part of a team that is clearly on an upward trajectory,” Perkins said.

“That’s something that I feel really privileged to be a part of.”

A Brighton Grammar product, Perkins has been taken under the wing of Andy McGrath at Tullamarine, who came from the same school.

“I think I play my best football in the midfield and around the contest,” Perkins said.

“But I think my versatility and ability to play forward and in other positions is one of my strengths.”

Perkins, who still lives at home, plans to start a Bachelor of Commerce course part-time at Melbourne University this semester.