Archie Perkins will remain in the red and black for at least the next two years after the midfielder signed a new contract with the Bombers.

With 71 games to his name, Perkins has been a mainstay to the Bombers lineup over the past four years.

Perkins' versatility and strength around contests are key strengths of the 22-year-old, who plays through the midfield and across the forward line.

00:42

Rd 1 | Perkins pops up for priceless double

Archie Perkins comes up big for Essendon with a pair of handy goals in the third term.

Perkins said he was looking forward to his future in the red and black. 

“I love being a part of this group. I feel we are moving in the right direction and I’m so excited in where we are heading,” Perkin said.

“I am loving the journey we are on, and am so committed and determined to improving as a player to be a great contributor to the side.

“I’m so impressed and proud of the way everyone is attacking the season and can’t wait to get out there again this weekend.”

In round one against Hawthorn, Perkins dominantly started the year, collecting a career-high 24 disposals, 12 tackles, eight clearances and two goals.  

Since then, he has continued his strong form, averaging 18.7 disposals, 10.6 kicks and 4.6 tackles per game across his first nine games of 2024.

A Sandringham Dragons product who joined the Bombers through Pick No.9 in the 2020 AFL National Draft, Perkins immediately excited Bomber fans.

Perkins was named the Round 17 NAB Rising Star nominee in his debut season and later that year was awarded Essendon’s 2021 Lindsay Griffiths Rising Star.

General Manager – AFL Daniel McPherson said the club was thrilled to have Perkins commit for at least the next two years.

“Archie has become a key part of our side over the past four seasons and his growth this year has further cemented his importance for the future,” McPherson said.

“He has played a different role this year, spending more time in the midfield and at contests. Archie is a focused and driven person who will embrace any challenge, which has been reflected in his stats this year.

“We look forward to seeing where Archie can take his footy over the coming years and will be a key pillar of our side for years to come.”