Mid-season recruit Robert Hansen jnr will make his AFL debut on Sunday against the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium.
The 19-year-old was plucked from Subiaco in the WAFL with pick No.2 in the AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, just shy of two months ago.
The small forward has kicked seven goals from five VFL appearances since arriving at Arden St and has impressed coaches with his work ethic and team-first approach.
“Since Robbie joined the club, he has brought a real excitement to our group with not only his skills and attributes but also his character,” North Melbourne VFL head coach and development coach Tom Lynch said.
“He has shown a real appetite to learn how we are looking to play and how he can improve his individual game.
“From the five games he has now played in our reserves side, he has displayed a great workrate and selfless behaviour, often bringing teammates into the game.”
Hansen jnr learned he would play his first senior game in his home state of Western Australia during Friday afternoon’s team meeting.
He will be the club’s fifth AFL debutant this season, joining Harry Sheezel (Round 1), Blake Drury (Round 8), George Wardlaw (Round 10) and Cooper Harvey (Round 17).
North Melbourne’s full team for Round 20 will be revealed at 5pm.
