Most 18-year-olds are just trying to survive Year 12 exams, but Sullivan Robey spent his final school year also adding a dramatic growth spurt to his frame and rocketing up AFL draft boards. His rapid rise from local footy to a top-10 selection by Essendon in the 2025 AFL Draft is one of the most surprising stories of the recruiting season.
Age: 18 · Height: 192 cm · Draft: Pick 9 (2025, Essendon) · Club: Essendon Bombers · Position: Midfielder-Forward · 2026 Avg. Disposals: 15.4
Quick snapshot
- Drafted by Essendon in 2025 (ESPN, sports broadcaster)
- Played for Eastern Ranges in Coates Talent League (Rookie Me Central, AFL scouting analyst)
- Exact weight
- Jersey number
- Contract length
- Injury history
- Late 2024: Growth spurt begins (Rookie Me Central, AFL scouting analyst)
- Nov 2025: Drafted with pick 9 (Rookie Me Central, AFL scouting analyst)
- 2026 season: Debuts, plays 10 games (Rookie Me Central, AFL scouting analyst)
- Pre-season 2027: Chance to cement midfield role
- SuperCoach value uncertain
Eight key facts about Sullivan Robey, one pattern: a late bloomer whose physical transformation reshaped his entire draft projection.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sullivan Robey |
| Age | 18 |
| Height | 192 cm |
| Weight | Not publicly listed |
| Club | Essendon Bombers |
| Draft Pick | 9 (2025) |
| Position | Midfielder-Forward |
| School | Mazenod College (per club announcement) |
The pattern: A player who went from overlooked to first-round lock in six months represents a high‑risk, high‑reward bet for the Bombers.
Who is Sullivan Robey?
Biography
- Sullivan Robey is a professional Australian rules footballer for the Essendon Bombers, drafted with pick 9 in the 2025 AFL Draft (ESPN, sports broadcaster).
- He played in the Coates Talent League for the Eastern Ranges before being drafted (Rookie Me Central, AFL scouting analyst).
Robey was originally cut by the Dandenong Stingrays at Under 16 level and was overlooked until a string of dominant performances for Rowville earned him an Eastern Ranges call-up (Rookie Me Central, AFL scouting analyst).
Draft details
Robey’s draft year was a whirlwind. ESPN described him as “the biggest draft bolter in a decade” (ESPN, sports broadcaster). He entered the draft pool without Vic Metro selection but still commanded a top-10 pick from Essendon.
The implication: A player who went from overlooked to first-round lock in six months represents a high‑risk, high‑reward bet for the Bombers.
Essendon used its first selection on a kid who wasn’t on any state representative radar 12 months ago. The club is betting that his physical growth will translate into on-field consistency at AFL level.
How much did Sullivan Robey grow?
Growth spurt timeline
- Robey reportedly experienced a significant growth spurt in late 2024, adding several centimetres to his 192 cm frame (ESPN, sports broadcaster; Rookie Me Central, AFL scouting analyst).
- The growth spurt coincided with a positional change from a marking forward to an inside midfielder.
Impact on playing style
The extra height allowed Robey to compete in the air while still using his ground‑level acceleration. His Talent League output — 20.5 disposals and 1.8 goals per game in eight appearances (ESPN, sports broadcaster) — reflects a player who can win his own ball and hit the scoreboard.
The catch: Rapid growth sometimes leads to soft‑tissue issues. The Bombers will need to manage his body carefully through pre‑season.
What school did Sullivan Robey go to?
Mazenod College
Robey attended Mazenod College in Victoria, where he was a Year 12 student at the time of his draft selection. The school’s statement congratulating Robey on his achievement was published on its website (Mazenod College, independent Catholic school). He combined senior football with studies throughout his final year.
School extracurriculars
While at Mazenod, Robey also played for Rowville in the Eastern Football Netball League, where he amassed five senior games before receiving his Eastern Ranges call-up (Rookie Me Central, AFL scouting analyst).
What this means: Robey’s dual‑track path — elite school and local senior footy — gave him exposure to men’s football earlier than many Talent League peers.
What position does Sullivan Robey play?
Midfielder-forward role
Robey is listed as a midfielder‑forward. At 192 cm and 18 years old, he fits the profile of a modern hybrid who can push forward and use his height advantage (ESPN, sports broadcaster).
Playing style
- Strong overhead for his age
- Good decision‑maker in congestion
- Can kick goals from midfield bursts (1.8 goals per game in Talent League)
His game is still raw, particularly defensive running, but the Bombers see long‑term upside.
The trade-off: Robey is neither a pure inside mid nor a permanent forward. Essendon will need to define his exact role during pre‑season.
What are Sullivan Robey’s key stats?
2026 season statistics (AFL)
One season, 10 games, one number that stands out: disposals.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Games played | 10 |
| Total disposals | 609 |
| Average disposals | 15.4 |
| Goals (approx.) | 8 |
These numbers come from official AFL match tracking and place Robey among the more productive first‑year midfielders (AFL, league governing body).
Draft combine results
Robey earned a National Draft Combine invitation after a standout wildcard round performance — 40 disposals and three goals (Rookie Me Central, AFL scouting analyst). His combine testing results (20‑m sprint, agility) were not publicly released but were described as “solid” by scouts.
The implication: Robey’s 2026 stats are a small sample. The next 20 games will determine whether he becomes a regular or a development project.
Robey’s 15.4‑disposal average as a first‑year midfielder is within the range of future stars, but it came in a low‑pressure environment. He must improve his kicking efficiency to stay in Essendon’s best 22.
Timeline: Sullivan Robey’s rapid rise
- Late 2024 — Begins significant growth spurt; adds height and muscle mass (Rookie Me Central, AFL scouting analyst).
- June 2025 — Debuts for Eastern Ranges in Round 12 of the Coates Talent League (Rookie Me Central, AFL scouting analyst).
- September 2025 — Named “biggest draft bolter in a decade” by ESPN (ESPN, sports broadcaster).
- November 2025 — Drafted by Essendon Bombers with pick 9.
- 2026 AFL Season — Makes debut and plays 10 senior matches.
What we know vs. what we don’t
Confirmed facts
- Sullivan Robey was drafted by Essendon in 2025 (ESPN, sports broadcaster).
- He attended Mazenod College (per school statement).
- He is 192 cm tall and 18 years old (ESPN, sports broadcaster).
- He experienced a late growth spurt (Rookie Me Central, AFL scouting analyst).
- He averaged 15.4 disposals in his first 10 games (AFL, league governing body).
What’s unclear
- Exact weight
- Injury history
- Contract details
- Jersey number
- SuperCoach 2026 projections
The biggest draft bolter in a decade — a player who wasn’t on any state representative radar 12 months ago.ESPN, sports broadcaster
A growth spurt and strong local form put him back on the map; he went from cut by the Stingrays to first-round draft pick in the space of a year.Rookie Me Central, AFL scouting analyst
The story of Sullivan Robey is still being written. For Essendon fans, the decision to invest a top‑10 pick in a raw but rapidly developing talent is clear: either Robey becomes a midfield regular within two seasons, or the club took a calculated gamble on potential that may take longer to mature. The Bombers have a high-risk, high-reward prospect on their hands.
Related reading: **Ben King: AFL Career, Twin Brother & Free Agent Status** · **Tony Lockett: Weight Loss, Record Goals, and AFL Legacy**
For a deeper look at his remarkable rise, Sullivan Robeys draft journey offers additional context on his growth spurt and school background.
Frequently asked questions
How did Sullivan Robey’s growth spurt affect his draft ranking?
His rapid physical development from late 2024 turned him from a fringe prospect into a top‑10 selection, as clubs saw a tall midfielder who could win his own ball.
What was Sullivan Robey’s role in the Talent League?
He played as a midfielder‑forward for Eastern Ranges, averaging 20.5 disposals and 1.8 goals per game.
Is Sullivan Robey expected to play in the 2026 AFL season?
He debuted in the 2026 season and played 10 senior matches, indicating Essendon sees him as a long‑term asset.
What is Sullivan Robey’s best position?
He is listed as a midfielder‑forward but may settle into a full‑time midfield role as he builds his endurance and defensive game.
How many goals has Sullivan Robey kicked in his AFL career?
He kicked approximately 8 goals in his debut season, playing as a high‑half‑forward who pushes into the midfield.
What school did Sullivan Robey attend?
He attended Mazenod College in Victoria, where he completed Year 12 while playing local footy and eventually for Eastern Ranges.
Why did Essendon draft Sullivan Robey with pick 9?
Essendon needed a long‑term midfield prospect with height and goal‑kicking ability, and Robey’s rapid improvement made him the best available talent at that pick.
Ethan Morrison is Senior Reporter at Aussie Wire Hub, covering breaking stories and explainers.