UPDATE: The El Achkar family celebrated with joy on the night of October 19, 2023, as Hussein El Achkar was officially drafted by the Essendon Football Club during the AFL draft proceedings. After two tense nights of waiting, the excitement peaked when Richmond placed a bid on the dynamic forward at pick 53, only for the Bombers to swiftly match the offer and secure their prospect.
El Achkar, a standout from the Bombers’ Next Generation Academy and the Calder Cannons, is known for his electrifying play style. The 171 cm small forward showcased his talent by scoring an impressive 47 goals in 26 appearances throughout his two-year stint in the Coates Talent League, including a remarkable six-goal performance against Sandringham this season.
His contributions on the field extended to the Vic Metro squad, where he netted three goals against the Allies, further solidifying his reputation as a player to watch. In his debut with Essendon’s VFL, El Achkar made an immediate impact by scoring three fast goals after half-time.
Rob Forster-Knight, Essendon’s national recruiting manager, expressed his enthusiasm about securing El Achkar, stating, “It was our number one priority to be honest coming into tonight. Huss is obviously an outstanding person first and foremost, and we’ve helped develop him for a number of years now.”
“To actually call out Huss’ name tonight is recognition for Huss and his family and our program as well, led by Marty Allison,” Forster-Knight added.
Among the supporters at the event was new teammate Isaac Kako, who also emerged from the Bombers academy. Their shared history with the Cannons fosters a strong bond, with Forster-Knight noting, “I’m sure that Huss is now looking forward to playing alongside Isaac. They’ll learn from each other and have similar games to some extent.”
The energy in the El Achkar household reflects the hopes and dreams that accompany this new chapter in Hussein’s career. With fans and family rallying around him, the anticipation builds for how this promising young talent will contribute to the Essendon Football Club in the upcoming season. Stay tuned as El Achkar embarks on his professional journey, bringing excitement and skill to the AFL landscape.
