Essendon Football Club is thrilled to have secured the signature of restricted free agent Matthew Leuenberger.

The 203 centimetre ruckman has agreed to a three year deal to join the Bombers from Brisbane.

A number of Leuenberger’s performances in 2015 reminded the competition of why he’s regarded as one of the most exciting ruckmen in the AFL. In Round 14 against Fremantle he amassed 51 hit-outs, nine tackles and kicked two goals.

Senior Coach, John Worsfold, said the addition of Leuenberger has strengthened the Bombers ruck stocks.

“Matthew provides us with a really strong and agile ruck option, he has more than 100 games of experience, so we’re really pleased he’s signed with the Club,” Worsfold said.

“Matthew will help us to achieve our vision of sustained success, and increase our competitiveness in an area of our football program that was below our expectations in 2015.”

List and Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro, believes a fresh start will enable Leuenberger to return to his best football.

“Matthew is a versatile ruckman, athletically he’s really strong and he also provides you with an option forward,” Dodoro said.

“Once we began conversations with Matthew and his management it became clear he was extremely excited about the opportunity to play under John Worsfold.

“At 27 years of age, we feel Matthew still has plenty of good football ahead of him and in a new environment we feel he can get back to playing at the peak of his powers.”

Leuenberger was the number four pick in the 2006 National Draft. He played 108 games with the Brisbane Lions and kicked 27 goals.