Good News: Essendon Sign the AFL’s First Vietnamese Player, Jayden Nguyen

Did we mention he's only 19 years old?

In some good news that will make your day a bit better, rookie Jayden Nguyen has become the first player of Vietnamese descent to play in the AFL men’s league.

The 19-year-old defender who is a Category B rookie, made his debut on Saturday last weekend against Sydney.

“Obviously, footy’s not prevalent in the Vietnamese culture and with me being a figure like this, I think I can inspire the next Vietnamese generation coming through,” Nguyen said.

“Hopefully, more Vietnamese children can start playing footy and wear some footy jerseys that are the Essendon colours.

“The boys have gotten around me and made it really easy to be accustomed to everything so far, I’m just keen to get to work.”

Jayden’s father Duc arrived in Australia in 1980s.

It’s pretty apt timing as the AFL is set to launch a cultural diversity action plan which will highlight the game’s geographic regions of priority and aims to increase participation and engagement within non-traditional football communities.

In the past there have been some instances of racism within the AFL.

In 1993, St Kilda player Nicky Winmar was racially vilified by Collingwood supporters at a game in Victoria Park.

And in 2013, a fan called Adam Goodes an ape. Six years later in 2019, the AFL apologised to Adam for failing to support him during this abuse.

However, loads of fans are super stoked about seeing Jayden on the field for Essendon.

Here’s to a long career and hopefully the makings of an AFL great!

Header Image: Essendon.