Blake Drury will become Shinboner No.1052 when he makes his AFL debut on Sunday afternoon in North Melbourne’s clash with St Kilda at Marvel Stadium. 

Drury was selected with pick No.1 in the 2022 AFL Rookie Draft from the Oakleigh Chargers, where he played alongside Roos teammate George Wardlaw. 

The 19-year-old mostly ran through the midfield and forward line during his time with the Chargers. However, he has also proved to be valuable down back since arriving Arden St thanks to his pace and decision-making with ball in hand. 

Named as an AFL emergency last weekend, Drury will make his debut after impressing in the club’s past two VFL outings with three goals playing as a half-forward.

North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson told Drury he would play his first senior game this weekend during Thursday afternoon’s team meeting. 

Drury is the second Roo to be called up for their AFL debut this season, following Harry Sheezel’s impressive first outing in the blue and white in the side’s Round 1 win against West Coast. 

North Melbourne’s full team will be revealed on Friday afternoon at 5pm.