LIFELONG Essendon fan Irving Mosquito will realise a childhood dream when he debuts for the Bombers in Saturday night's Dreamtime clash against Richmond at TIO Stadium. 

The Indigenous small forward was told of the news by coach-in-waiting Ben Rutten in front of teammates on Thursday. 

Hailing from Halls Creek in northern Western Australia, Mosquito joined the Bombers via pick 38 in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft after playing for Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup. 

Despite being linked to Hawthorn under Next Generation Academy rules, the Hawks opted to pass on the chance to secure him. 

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"This is a pun, but he brings a real buzz around the place," Bombers coach John Worsfold said.

"He's worked really hard. Since he's been up here, some of his games in our match sim have been electrifying. He deserves his opportunity."

Mosquito was closing in on an AFL debut last season before a hamstring injury derailed his campaign. 

And while he's been used in parts in defence in the Bombers' reserves scratch matches, he is expected to line up in attack. 

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"He's obviously very quick around the ball and has really good closing speed, so he puts pressure on defenders," he said.

"He takes the ball cleanly, he's a beautiful left-foot kick and he has very good hands on the lead, so it's going to be exciting just to see him around the footy." 

The Bombers will confirm their full line-up on Friday night with Jake Stringer in line to return from an ankle injury. 

Spearhead Joe Daniher is also in the selection conversation for his first match of the season after making significant progress on his injured groin.