Essendon youngster Jackson Merrett has re-signed with the club for a further two years.
The deal will keep the 22 year-old at the Bombers until the end of the 2017 season.
“It’s very exciting to be remaining at the club for another two years,” Merrett said.
“We’re putting in the hard yards so as long as we can keep that up I’m sure we can go somewhere exciting in the future.”
Merrett is part of a talented young group of players emerging at Essendon.
Dyson Heppell, Jake Carlisle, Joe Daniher, Travis Colyer, Marty Gleeson and Jake Melksham are still in their early 20’s.
And Merrett’s brother, Zach, is just 19.
“There is a lot of younger boys coming in to the team and getting their opportunity,” Merrett said.
“It’s important we start to lead from the front and not just leave it up to the older guys.”
Essendon Coach James Hird said he was delighted Merrett had chosen to re-sign with the Bombers.
“Jackson is a quality person who has shown he can play a role in the midfield as well as in the forward line,” Hird said.
“His pace and defensive pressure make him a valuable part of our side.”
Merrett has kicked a goal in each of his four games this season.
The Geelong Falcons recruit is also averaging more than four tackles each week.
“My role up in the forward line is to try to apply as much pressure as possible and to try to lock the ball in our forward half and give us an opportunity to score,” Merrett said.
“It’s just getting to as many contests and laying as many tackles as you can.
“It’s not so much how many kicks you can get.”
Despite a disappointing match against Richmond last Saturday, Merrett said earlier performances against highly fancied sides Sydney and Hawthorn give the group confidence they can match it with the best this season.
“We’ve shown we can compete against the top sides,” he said.
“It’s just about maintaining that consistency week to week and quarter to quarter.”
Merrett has played 32 games with the Bombers since being drafted with the 31st pick in the 2011 National Draft.
