Essendon is excited to have secured the signatures of Sophie Alexander, Chloe Adams, and Daria Bannister, who've signed one-year contract extensions.
The new deals will see the trio in the red and black until at least the end of 2025.
Inaugural AFLW Dons, Bannister and Alexander have been pivotal to Essendon's start in the league.
Playing every game throughout the club's first two seasons, Alexander has been a key target up forward, using her height and strength to take contested marks while hitting the scoreboard.
With 52 games under her belt, the 31-year-old's experience and guidance are influential to the Bombers' young side.
Alexander said she is excited for the next two years at the Bombers.
"I'm so proud to be able to continue my journey with Essendon, particularly with the group we've got at the moment," Alexander said.
"The energy around the group over the off-season and the hunger to improve on and off the field has been really inspiring."
Bannister's second season in the red and black was cut short when she sustained an ACL injury in Essendon's Dreamtime match against Richmond, but her impact across the club has been vast.
A key cog in the Bombers' attack, Bannister's accuracy in front of goal, combined with her strong determination and tough spirit makes her a force to be reckoned with.
In Essendon's inaugural year, Bannister finished fourth in the club's Best and Fairest while also being awarded the team's Most Courageous Player.
Ready to return for 2024, Bannister said she was proud to continue representing the Bombers.
"I'm thrilled to re-sign with the Essendon Football Club. It's an honour to continue my journey with such a passionate and dedicated team," Bannister said.
"I'm eager to contribute to our future successes on and off the field."
A new addition to the Bombers' AFLW program, Adams has quickly made an impact at the NEC Hangar.
Selected with pick No.38 in the 2023 AFLW Draft, Adams is a tough midfielder with the versatility to play various positions.
Throughout the 2023 Coates Talent League, Adams averaged 25.6 disposals, 15.9 kicks, and 8.1 tackles per game. This strong form has continued into 2024, with the 18-year-old averaging 17.3 disposals across her three VFLW games.
Adams said she was excited for what is to come in the red and black.
"I'm so grateful and excited to extend with this incredible club. I still pinch myself walking through the doors every day, knowing that I'm living my dream," Adams said.
"Even though I've only been here a short time, the girls and staff have made it feel like I've been here for a long time. They've been so welcoming and supportive on and off the field.
"I'm keen to be a part of this club's future. To be a part of this group who are building something special is really exciting, and I can't wait for what's to come."
AFLW List and Recruiting Manager Georgia Harvey said it's an exciting step for the program to have the trio extend for a further year.
"Daria and Sophie have been instrumental to our program across our first two seasons, providing consistency, experience and guidance to our group. It's fantastic to have their commitment and buy-in to our program," Harvey said.
"Chloe is an exciting young prospect who has quickly impressed in her short time at the club during the off-season and through our VFLW program.
"We look forward to the three of them continuing to drive our culture and standards over at least the next two years.
"With the new CBA, AFLW players can now sign multi-year contracts at any time of the year, in line with the AFL competition. This allows the players and the club to plan more for the future and provides- long-term certainty for the players."
Essendon's AFLW program will start pre-season on Monday, with a 2024 fixture to be released over the coming days.
