Blake Justice
Essendon
2026 AFL Draft
Power Rankings- Power Ranking
- No. 44
- Position
- General Forward
- Height
- 191 cm
- Age at draft
- 18y 1m
- Plays for
- Calder Cannons
- Tied to
Essendon Next Generation Academy- Bid expected
- Essendon to match
- Invited to
- State combine
- Draft night
- 19 November
| 2026 averages | GM | KI | HB | DI | CP | MA | TA | CL | I50 | R50 | IT | SI | GL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talent League | 6 | 10.5 | 11.3 | 21.8 | - | 4.2 | 3.3 | - | 4.3 | 1.0 | - | - | 0.3 |
| Championships | 2 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 12.5 | 5.5 | 4.5 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 6.5 | 0.5 |
Bio
Blake Justice is an athletic forward and midfielder from the Calder Cannons who represented Vic Metro at the National Championships. Tied to Essendon as a Next Generation Academy prospect, he entered 2026 highly rated but endured an injury-interrupted campaign. A hamstring issue delayed his season, though he returned to form late, producing a standout performance in the Talent League finals and making his VFL debut for the Bombers. Unfortunately, another hamstring injury during the state draft combine soured his year. Despite these setbacks, experts broadly view him as a later draft selection, with Essendon fully expected to match any rival bids.
At 191cm, Justice uses his size, speed and agility to break away from stoppages. He is clean at ground level, applies strong defensive pressure and is creative by hand, allowing him to push up the ground and win clearances. Scouts praise his competitive nature and ability to win first possession at the coalface. However, recruiters note his field and goal kicking can be variable, and he needs to work on clunking more of his aerial attempts as a marking target.
VFL career
1 games0 goals
- Debut
- R17 2026 v COB19 July 2026
Stats
VFL
2026 | ESS | 1 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 17 | 12 |
Talent League
2026 | CAL | 6 | 10.5 | 11.3 | 21.8 | 4.2 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 3.3 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 80 |
2025 | CAL | 15 | 10.5 | 7.9 | 18.4 | 4.3 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 2.7 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 73 |
U18 Boys
2026 | VM | 2 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 12.5 | 4.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 53 |
Bio
Blake Justice is an athletic forward and midfielder from the Calder Cannons who represented Vic Metro at the National Championships. Tied to Essendon as a Next Generation Academy prospect, he entered 2026 highly rated but endured an injury-interrupted campaign. A hamstring issue delayed his season, though he returned to form late, producing a standout performance in the Talent League finals and making his VFL debut for the Bombers. Unfortunately, another hamstring injury during the state draft combine soured his year. Despite these setbacks, experts broadly view him as a later draft selection, with Essendon fully expected to match any rival bids.
At 191cm, Justice uses his size, speed and agility to break away from stoppages. He is clean at ground level, applies strong defensive pressure and is creative by hand, allowing him to push up the ground and win clearances. Scouts praise his competitive nature and ability to win first possession at the coalface. However, recruiters note his field and goal kicking can be variable, and he needs to work on clunking more of his aerial attempts as a marking target.
Profile
- Born
- 29 Sept 2008 (age 18y 25d)
- Height
- 191 cm
Teams
Bio
1 revisionBlake Justice is an athletic forward and midfielder from the Calder Cannons who represented Vic Metro at the National Championships. Tied to Essendon as a Next Generation Academy prospect, he entered 2026 highly rated but endured an injury-interrupted campaign. A hamstring issue delayed his season, though he returned to form late, producing a standout performance in the Talent League finals and making his VFL debut for the Bombers. Unfortunately, another hamstring injury during the state draft combine soured his year. Despite these setbacks, experts broadly view him as a later draft selection, with Essendon fully expected to match any rival bids.
At 191cm, Justice uses his size, speed and agility to break away from stoppages. He is clean at ground level, applies strong defensive pressure and is creative by hand, allowing him to push up the ground and win clearances. Scouts praise his competitive nature and ability to win first possession at the coalface. However, recruiters note his field and goal kicking can be variable, and he needs to work on clunking more of his aerial attempts as a marking target.