Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
📻 How to tune into Sport Nation
"Like a dream": Essendon draftee's heartwarming Bomber history
Jaiden Sciberras • November 20th, 2025 5:55 pm
A dream fulfilled beyond comprehension, Sullivan Robey will officially suit up for the Essendon Football Club in 2026.
The draft’s biggest bolter, Robey’s rise up the rankings was as special as we’ve seen in recent years, from being cut by the Dandenong Stingrays prior to his draft year to a selection within the top 10 of the National Draft.
While Robey’s story in the lead-up to draft night is one worth savouring, the story of draft night and what lies ahead takes the cake in the eyes of the young mid/forward.
A lifelong Bombers fan, the dream of donning the sash extends beyond Sullivan himself.
“My whole family were Bomber fans growing up, and even more so now. My little brother is absolutely stoked!” Robey told SEN Afternoons.
Growing up in a family of Bomber fans, Robey idolised Essendon’s club legends, and was lucky enough to be handed his jersey by one of those idols on Wednesday night.
“I always had number four (on the back of my Essendon jersey),” Robey said.
“Four was always my jersey, Jobe Watson. When I was about 15 or 16, it was (Dyson) Heppell’s 21.
“100 per cent (it’s a dream). I’ve pinched myself a fair bit in the last 24 hours. It’s been so surreal for myself and the family. It’s an absolute dream come true.
“We’d go (to the games) a fair bit, and we’d have the hotdogs and stuff. Bring them in and have a bit of a feed while watching the game.
“It was a big family thing, but we loved sitting on the couch, all five of us watching the footy as a big family. I think we spent more time in the couch, really invested in the game.
“Countless times, I’ve dreamt about this. To think it’s all become a reality… it all feels like a dream.
“I’m glad it’s not, and I’m really keen to crack in for 2026, (with) all the boys, the coaching staff and really build into the team, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Entering draft night, Robey remained unsure as to where he would land, doing his best to avoid paying any mind to the numbers as the night unfolded.
“There obviously was a fair bit floating around,” he said.
“I just looked back at where I started at the start of the year, understanding that I can’t change my expectations now. All I wanted to do was get on an AFL list, and here I am sitting with the club I’ve barracked for all my life.
“To get caught up in the numbers, where you’re picked at and what team you’re going to, I think you’ve just got to snap back to reality and realise that you’ve got an opportunity, and you’ve got to take it for what it’s worth.
“There were expectations going in, but I couldn’t be more happy with the club I’ve landed at. The fanbase, the facilities, just the club in general. It’s a dream come true.”
So, what can Essendon fans expect from Robey? Growing up as a fan himself, the 18-year-old is well aware of the club’s lack of success, and it determined to deliver on the biggest of stages across his AFL journey.
“I’m an extremely competitive player – I give 120 per cent into everything I do,” he said.
“I’m really driven for success. As a Bombers fans, you get a dried out of success, so that’s what I’m striving for - that team success, and to get some big wins on the board.
“As a player, like I said, competitive, enthusiastic and physical – I love the physicality of football.
“There’s a bit of expectation, but there’s a very good list right now. We were a little bit hard-done-by this year with injuries and whatnot.
“No doubt we’ll be striving towards that (finals win). I’m really keen to see what it holds.”
The remaining rounds of the AFL National Draft kick off tonight from 7:00pm AEDT, with live pick-by-pick coverage here on SEN.com.au!
