Alex Morgan will become Shinboner #1011 when he makes his AFL debut against Sydney this Sunday.

The running defender has been named to replace Cameron Zurhaar, who is set to miss two months with an ankle injury.

Morgan has waited patiently for his AFL debut, with the defender getting his opportunity 17 rounds into the third season of his career, which has spanned across two clubs.                                          

After being selected by Essendon with pick 29 at the 2015 AFL National Draft, he played 23 VFL games over two years, becoming a regular in 2017 after suffering hamstring issues in his first season.

The 22-year-old was recruited by North during the 2017 free-agency period, with the recruiters identifying Morgan’s pace and run off half-back, and his strong-tackling as attributes that would complement the list.

Since arriving at North, the number 21 has been a regular in North’s VFL team, with coaches impressed by his ball winning ability and lock-down defence. 

Having featured in 10 games so far for the Roos’ VFL team, Morgan has brought a new consistency to his game, and has featured in the bests three times in 2018.

Having turned down a one-year extension with the Bombers to chase his AFL dream at Arden St, it appears Morgan’s persistence has paid off as he prepares for a dream debut.