Draft:Isaac Kako
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Comment: Please remove the promotional tone and add more sources to claims that are missing them. The "Personal life" section is just what he's saying in an interview and not needed in the article. Chaotic Enby (talk · contribs) 14:54, 9 March 2025 (UTC)
Isaac Kako (born March 7, 2006) is an 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 as a highly anticipated small forward after being selected with pick No. 13 in the 2024 AFL Draft. Essendon secured Kako by matching Richmond's bid due to his eligibility through Essendon's Next Generation Academy (NGA) program.[1][2]
| Isaac Kako | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Isaac Kako | ||
| Date of birth | 7 March 2006 | ||
| Place of birth | Australia | ||
| Original team(s) | Calder Cannons (NAB League) | ||
| Draft | No. 13, 2024 AFL Draft | ||
| Height | 176 cm (5 ft 9 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Forward | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Essendon | ||
| Number | 10 | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 2025– | Essendon | 0 (0) | |
|
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2025. | |||
| Career highlights | |||
| |||
Early Life and Junior Career
[edit]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, the same school as current AFL player Nate Caddy. [1] He began his football journey with the Northern Saints before progressing to the Calder Cannons in the NAB League. [1][3]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 [4]. 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.[4]
AFL Career
[edit]2024: Draft Year
[edit]In 2024, 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 Coates Talent League Team of the Year.[4] 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.
A lifelong Essendon supporter, Kako joined the Bombers after the club matched a first-round bid from Richmond, as he qualified as an Essendon NGA (Next Generation Academy) player. At Essendon, Kako reunited with close friend Nate Caddy[5], who was drafted by the Bombers the previous year, as well as Zak Johnson, another Parade College teammate selected by Essendon at pick 70 in the same draft [6].
2025: Pre-Season and Debut
[edit]Kako quickly captured the attention of Essendon and AFL fans during the 2024 pre-season and practice matches, particularly with his impressive showing against Geelong. In that game, Kako demonstrated his notable flair, pace, and attacking prowess, sparking excitement for his future development[7].
Playing Style
[edit]Kako’s energetic style, mirrors AFL players such as Shai Bolton, Tyson Stengle and Tom Papley, is defined by agility, creativity around goals, and the ability to generate scoring opportunities both individually and for his teammates.[1]
Career Stats
[edit]As of March 2025, Isaac Kako is yet to debut officially in the AFL home-and-away season.
Honours and Achievements
[edit]- Coates Talent League Team of the Year: 2024[3]
- AFL Under-18 All-Australian team: 2024
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f "'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.
- ^ "Kako becomes a Don". essendonfc.com.au. 2024-11-20. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
- ^ a b "Isaac Kako Draft Profile". Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
- ^ a b c "2024 Marsh AFL National Championships U18 Boys All Australian Team announced". afl.com.au. 2024-07-17. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
- ^ "Inside the rapid rise of Bombers' academy gem... and how he could form 'dynamic duo' with star". Fox Sports. 2024-10-04. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
- ^ "'I want to entertain': Exciting Bombers tragic ready to make an impact". afl.com.au. 2024-11-03. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
- ^ "'Selling out of No.10s': Top Dons pick's epic night as footy's new dynamic duo stuns Cats". Fox Sports. 2025-02-25. Retrieved 2025-03-09.