Archie was born to mother Victoria and father Simon, both of New Zealand, who emigrated in their 20s.[4]
He studied at Brighton Grammar School in Melbourne. Perkins trained with well-known AFL players such as Hunter Clark and Max King as a part of the NAB AFL Academy program.[5] He also played for the Sandringham Dragons in the NAB League, where he played a 6-game season in 2019, his coach at the time describing him as "a very confident kid,a pretty talented footballer and just a well-rounded person."[6] Despite being touted as a midfielder, Perkins averaged 1.7 goals a game in the NAB League, as well as averaging 14.2 disposals.[7][8]
AFL career
Perkins debuted in Essendon's shock win over St Kilda in the 3rd round of the 2021 AFL season.[9][10][11] On debut, Perkins collected 14 disposals, 1 behind and 6 inside 50s.[12] He received a Rising Star nomination after collecting 18 disposals, 4 marks and 3 goals in a dominant performance against Adelaide.[13]
He signed a 2-year contract extension in 2022, to remain at Essendon until at least the end of 2024.[14]
Perkins played his 50th AFL game in 2023, out of a possible 56 across his career, with only Errol Gulden the only player from the 2020 draft class to have played more games at the same point.[15]
