In a thrilling start to the 2025 AFL season, two remarkable stories are set to unfold as Saad El-Hawli and Tom Cochrane make their debuts for Essendon and Port Adelaide respectively. The match is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, and promises to be a historic event for both players and their clubs.
Saad El-Hawli, 23, has been on an incredible journey to reach this moment. Originally an aspiring small forward, El-Hawli struggled in 2022, managing just one goal in five VFL matches with Werribee. However, he refused to give up on his dream. In 2023, he moved to the Northern Bullants, where he flourished, kicking 11 goals in 14 matches. His hard work culminated in a stellar first half of the 2024 season, where he almost doubled his disposal output from 13.9 to 25.8 in just eight games, while also scoring five goals. This impressive performance caught the attention of several clubs, but it was the Bombers who secured his services with the 13th pick in the 2024 Mid-Season Draft.
El-Hawli made an immediate impact in his first game for Essendon, racking up 25 disposals against the Box Hill Hawks, followed by a remarkable 27 disposals and four goals against Carlton the following week. Unfortunately, an ankle injury sidelined him for nine weeks, but he returned strong, finishing the season with 21 disposals and three goals in round 20, and 27 disposals and one goal in round 21. His perseverance paid off when he received the news of his debut on Wednesday morning, almost exactly ten months after being drafted. Bomber fans are buzzing with excitement about his debut.
Meanwhile, Tom Cochrane, 19, is set to make history as the first AFL player with Tourette syndrome. Selected by Port Adelaide with the 13th pick in last November's rookie draft, Cochrane's journey has been inspirational. Diagnosed with Tourette's at the age of nine, he made a promise to his mother to become the first AFL player with the condition. "I want to be the first AFL player with Tourette’s," Cochrane recalled in an interview. His condition manifests in vocal tics, often involving swearing, but it does not affect him while playing football.
Port Adelaide's coach, Ken Hinkley, praised Cochrane's courage and the positive environment at the club that has allowed him to thrive. "His courage to stand up in front and talk about what his challenges have been, everyone sort of knew where Tommy was at," Hinkley said. Cochrane's journey has not been without challenges; he faced bullying growing up due to his condition. However, he has remained positive, stating that as he got older, people became more accepting. "That’s probably the best thing about it – that I don’t get it when I’m playing. It kind of goes away because I enjoy playing," he explained.
As both players prepare for their debuts, the match holds significance beyond personal achievements. It reflects the AFL's growing inclusivity and the importance of representation in sports. El-Hawli and Cochrane's stories resonate with many, showcasing resilience and the power of perseverance.
In terms of team updates, Essendon has welcomed back defender Jordan Ridley from concussion, while midfielders Elijah Tsatas and Archie Perkins will miss the game due to injuries. The Bombers are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 0-2 start to the season. On the other hand, Port Adelaide will be without key players Jack Lukosius, Ryan Burton, and Lachie Jones due to injuries, but they are bringing in big man Esava Ratugolea and Ivan Soldo.
Fans eagerly anticipate the match, which kicks off at 7:30 PM AEDT. As the teams take the field, all eyes will be on El-Hawli and Cochrane, whose stories of determination and hope have already made an impact long before the first whistle is blown. The AFL community is rallying behind these young players, celebrating their achievements and the barriers they have overcome.
The excitement doesn't stop there, as the weekend promises more action with fixtures including Carlton vs. Western Bulldogs, Melbourne vs. Gold Coast Suns, and St Kilda vs. Richmond. Each game is set to showcase new talent and seasoned veterans as teams vie for victory in the early rounds of the season.
As the AFL season unfolds, the narratives of players like El-Hawli and Cochrane will continue to inspire fans and aspiring athletes alike. Their journeys remind us that success is often a result of hard work, resilience, and the unwavering support of family and friends. The stage is set, and the football world is ready to witness history in the making.
