Essendon VFL have received welcome continuity heading into the off-season, with Captain Xavier O’Neill and Vice-Captain Jackson Hately each committing to the club for the 2025 season.

The pair have been key cogs in the Bombers’ VFL squad since joining ahead of the 2024 season, named formally as club leaders on the verge of the campaign and providing consistency to the young side with their AFL experience.

Rewarded internally for their strong opening seasons in red and black, Hately finished the season with both Best and Fairest and Don of the Year honours, while O’Neill took home Best Clubman and finished third place in the count.

Skipper O’Neill is keen to continue his tenure as a Bomber, particularly off the back of the program’s continual development in 2024 following his move from Perth.

“I’m rapt to be on board with the program again for next year,” O’Neill said.

“The club’s been super welcoming for me since I’ve arrived and seeing the way this group’s come along over the course of the year, it made the decision pretty easy for me in the end.

“We showed what we were capable of in the second half of the year and I’m keen to keep that going into next season.”

Sentiment is similar for former Adelaide and GWS player Hately, who pieced together a stellar first season as a Don.

“What this program’s been building is really promising and I can’t wait to help continue that in 2025,” Hately said.

“The coaches, staff and players’ emphasis on development have made Essendon a really fun place to play my footy this year and it’s exciting to think about the steps we can keep taking from here.”

Hately and O’Neill were vital contributors to the side’s push up the ladder in the back end of the season, with the Bombers winning six of their final seven games to finish within touching distance of a wildcard finals position.

Head of Development Cam Roberts is excited to see the pair commit for another season.

“’Xav’ and ‘Jacko’ have made a huge impact in their time here and we’re thrilled to see them both sign on again,” Roberts said.

“It’s great to see your leaders show their commitment to the program and they’ve both just been absolute professionals from day one. They’ll play a big role in our build next year.”