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Isaac Kako

Isaac Kako (born 7 March 2006) is a professional Australian rules footballer playing for the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Kako, renowned for his speed, agility, and sharp goal-scoring instincts, joined Essendon after being selected with pick No. 13 in the 2024 AFL draft. Essendon secured Kako by matching a bid from Richmond due to his eligibility through Essendon's Next Generation Academy (NGA) program.[1][2]

Early life

Isaac Kako was born in Australia to Iraqi parents, Laith and Samiya, who migrated in 1999 in search of better opportunities. [1] Raised in Melbourne's northern suburbs, Kako attended Parade College with future Essendon teammate Nate Caddy. [1] He played junior football for Northern Saints and Pascoe Vale in the Essendon District Football League[3].

Junior career

He began his football journey with the Northern Saints before progressing to the Calder Cannons in the Talent League. [1][4]Quickly recognized for his dynamic playing style, Kako debuted for the Cannons in 2022, displaying early potential as an exciting small forward and earning selection in the Vic Metro squad for the National Under-16 Championships.[1]

Kako's rapid development continued in 2023, when he kicked 22 goals in 11 matches, including a seven-goal haul against the Northern Territory.[5] In 2024, he elevated his game further, averaging 18.7 disposals per match and scoring 20 goals, achievements that secured him a position in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year and the AFL Under-18 All-Australian team.[5]

Kako's performances cemented his status as one of the leading small forwards in his draft class. He averaged 18.7 disposals and kicked 20 goals for the Calder Cannons, earning selections in both the AFL Under-18 All-Australian team and the Talent League Team of the Year.[5] Highlights included a four-goal haul in a Vic Metro trial game and three crucial goals in the National Championships decider against Vic Country. Despite an ankle injury cutting his season short, Kako's consistent form made him a sought-after talent, ultimately leading Essendon to select him with pick No. 13 in the 2024 AFL Draft.

AFL career

A lifelong Essendon supporter, Kako joined the Bombers with pick 13 in the 2024 AFL draft, via their Next Generation Academy (NGA) program, after the club matched a bid from Richmond.[6]

To start his first season in the AFL, Kako kicked 4 goals in Essendon's pre-season match against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium,[7] putting his name in lights for an early season debut.[8] Kako was selected for a round 1 debut,[9] in a match against Hawthorn at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Kako kicked the opening goal of the match,[10] which he scored with his first kick.

Honours and Achievements

Junior football

  • Coates Talent League Team of the Year: 2024[4]
  • AFL Under-18 All-Australian team: 2024

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "'I like being fun to watch': Why top-15 livewire draft star already has Bombers fan salivating". Fox Sports. 2024-10-27. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  2. ^ "Kako becomes a Don". essendonfc.com.au. 2024-11-20. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  3. ^ "EDFL". Retrieved 2025-04-25.
  4. ^ a b "Isaac Kako Draft Profile". Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  5. ^ a b c "2024 Marsh AFL National Championships U18 Boys All Australian Team announced". afl.com.au. 2024-07-17. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  6. ^ "Kako becomes a Don". Essendon Football Club. 20 November 2024.
  7. ^ "Dons go wacko for Kako as young forwards light up GMHBA". AFL Media. 25 February 2025.
  8. ^ "The AFL draftees, rookies in line for an early debut for your club". ESPN Australia. 5 March 2025.
  9. ^ "Kako's dream realised: Lifelong Don to suit up in red and black". Essendon Football Club. 11 March 2025.
  10. ^ "Kako's cracking first goal lights up 'G". Essendon Football Club. 14 March 2025.