Michael Hartley will make his long-awaited AFL debut on Saturday.

His proud father Colin told Sports Today he’s very excited.

Colin drove from Sydney to Melbourne every for every match that his son played in the VFL.

‘It’s well worth supporting your son when he needs your support,’ he said.

Fortunately, Essendon will fly him down for this one.

Click play to hear the proud father

Originally taken by Collingwood at Pick 87 in the 2011 Rookie Draft, Hartley’s stint at the Pies was marred by several serious shoulder injuries.

He was delisted in 2013, before staying in the VFL with Coburg.

The Bombers took a punt on the mature-aged defender with Pick 68 in last year’s draft, and his AFL dream will become a reality against Melbourne.