High-flying forward Finnbar Maley will make his AFL debut in Thursday night's match against Essendon at Marvel Stadium.

Late to the sport, Maley joined North Melbourne via pick No.2 in the 2023 Rookie Draft after his soaring efforts with the Northern Bullants and local club Eltham caught recruiters' attention. 

During his first season at Arden Street, the 21-year-old chipped away at his ruck and forward craft over 18 games in the VFL, kicking 18 goals and impressing with his aerial presence.

He has kicked a further seven goals from four VFL appearances in 2025, before receiving the call-up for his first AFL game during Wednesday morning’s team meeting.

He will be the club’s fourth AFL debutant this season following Finn O’Sullivan and Jacob Konstanty in Round 1 and Matt Whitlock in Round 4.

The Kangaroos’ full Round 8 team will be revealed on Wednesday night at 6.20pm.