ESSENDON rookie Mark Baguley appears set to make his AFL debut after being elevated to the club's senior list.

The 25-year-old was elevated off the rookie list on Wednesday, and seems likely to come into the side to face Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

"The only time we would bring someone up is if we are playing them that week," Essendon football manager Paul Hamilton told AFL.com.au recently when asked about the club's plans for its rookie listed players.

Baguley, a strongly-built defender who uses the ball well, was selected by Essendon at last year's NAB AFL Rookie Draft after starring for Frankston in the VFL.

He has enjoyed a consistent season with Essendon's VFL affiliate side, Bendigo Gold.

Through the mid-season rookie rule, AFL clubs are able to elevate a rookie even if they don't have a player on the long-term injury list, as long as it is within its total player payments.