ESSENDON has wasted little time in exposing its Next Generation Academy (NGA) talent to state league level, with budding prospect Hussien El Achkar making his VFL debut in Round 10. The 18-year-old booted three second half goals as the Bombers were ultimately overrun by Brisbane on Friday.

With Calder Cannons having the bye, El Achkar made his return from an ankle injury by donning the famous sash. He has 10 goals to his name in three Coates Talent League appearances this year, having booted 19 in 15 games as a bottom-ager. We put his debut under the Player Focus microscope.

Calder Cannons, Vic MetroSmall Forward

Hussien El Achkar

Height: 171cm

Weight: -

DOB: 02-04-2007

SEASON AVERAGES:

2025 Coates Talent League (3 games)
14.0 disposals, 1.7 marks, 1.7 tackles, 1.7 inside 50s, 3.3 goals (10 total)

STRENGTHS:

+ Goal sense
+ Ground level craft
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Speed

Liam ? Huss

Huss kicks his second in four minutes, thanks to the quick hands of Liam McMahon? https://t.co/USA8kaQllR pic.twitter.com/lbyBpWXccw

— Essendon VFL (@essendonvfl) May 30, 2025

PLAYER FOCUS

2025 VFL: Round 10
Brisbane Lions 18.11 (119) def. Essendon 15.9 (99)

#52 Hussien El Achkar (Essendon)
Stats: 4 disposals (4 kicks), 1 mark, 3 tackles, 3 goals

FIRST HALF:

El Achkar went without a disposal in the first half as he eased back into high level football off an injury layoff – no less at senior level. He started each quarter on the pine and was rotated on, taking a bit of time to find his feet when it came to positioning in and out of possession.

The diminutive forward provided a contest one-out inside 50 against 195cm key back Darragh Joyce, forcing the AFL-listed defender to spoil for a throw-in. He understandably lacked a bit of intensity and vigour in attacking the ground ball, but applied a tackle to knock the ball free up at half-forward.

El Achkar’s ability to stay with the chase and apply repeat pressure efforts could be improved on, as well as the willingness to venture outside 50 and provide a connection piece. He otherwise positioned cleverly front-and-centre to anticipate the fall of the ball, often camped inside 50.

HUSS WHEN NEEDED??

We’re back in the lead. pic.twitter.com/DLWsGJN6u3

— Essendon VFL (@essendonvfl) May 30, 2025

SECOND HALF:

El Achkar’s third quarter exploits proved that while it may not be your day, you can still make your moments. He showed better hunt around packs and stoppages as the wet weather took hold, going on to pop up for consecutive goals which restored Essendon’s buffer after Brisbane drew level.

First came his opening possession up on the wing, receiving a forward handball from Dylan Shiel before darting inboard and delivering a sharp short kick. El Achkar then showed great instincts for his first major, pouncing on Joyce’s dropped chest mark to shark the ball and burst into the open goal.

He was rewarded for good positioning and anticipation once again inside 50, arriving at the front of an aerial contest to get the hands off fellow Bombers debutant Liam McMahon and snap his second score. El Achkar’s mental resilience showed in those moments, to back his skills after a quiet half.

A third goal would follow in the fourth quarter, as El Achkar snuck out the back of his direct opponent to mark uncontested inside 50. He slotted the set shot from about 35 metres to reclaim the lead for Essendon. It would be the Bombers’ final major, as Brisbane went on to kick four in the last five minutes.

SUMMARY

El Achkar showed plenty of promise in his state league debut, with three goals a great result in anyone’s books. A major positive was his conversion rate, booting 3.0 having had 10.8 to his name at Coates Talent League level, including a haul of 3.5. He certainly brought his kicking boots to Queensland.

He looks every bit a forward 50 specialist who hunts the goals, and his scoreboard impact speaks for itself. Where he can improve is in his overall production, to venture up the ground and provide connection for his side. Defensive pressure is also paramount to his role and lacks at times.

The Calder Cannons prospect should look no further than 2024 graduate Isaac Kako for inspiration in both aspects of improvement. There is still room to become a more well-rounded small forward, but El Achkar’s obvious talent and goalkicking record have him in the first round conversation as it stands.