WHEN Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin brought the players in for a Thursday morning meeting, two young Demons were blissfully unaware of the news they were about to receive.
It was announced that Toby Bedford and Kysaiah Pickett will be taking to the field this Sunday afternoon, with the small-forward duo set to make their AFL debuts against the Eagles.
Pickett, who was selected with pick No.12 in last year’s draft, has brought plenty of excitement to the club over the pre-season, thoroughly earning his selection.
Fans got a glimpse of what the 18-year-old is capable of in his first Marsh Series game against the Crows, and he will be looking to bring that same flair to Optus Stadium this weekend.
In arguably more surprising news, Bedford’s debut comes as he enters his second year on the list.
The former Melbourne Academy player was taken with pick No.75 in the 2018 National Draft and has come a long way in his short time with the club.
Bedford, at just 19 years of age, has been rewarded on the back of a strong first season with Casey and a big pre-season where he placed second in the club’s 3km time trial.
He is known for his gut running and elite forward pressure, but just like Pickett, also knows how to hit the scoreboard.
The two debutants will headline a fresh Dees side which will fly to Perth in Round 1, with the 26-man squad to be announced at 6:20pm on Thursday night.
