Essendon VFL have received a further boost, with emerging talents Matthew Foley, Jack Peris, Solomon McKay and Mahmoud Taha officially on board for the 2025 season.

The quartet’s re-signing also comes as the Dons confirm the acquisition of former VFL GIANT Nic Quigg for next year.

Last season’s signing Peris made instant impact in his first year as a Don, with his manic pressure and developing forward craft making the 20-year-old one of the more consistent contributors across 15 games in 2024.

The former AFL Saint’s follow-up work and strong tackling have established himself as a reliable teammate within the Bombers’ VFL program, traits that will continue to bolster the squad in 2025.

Foley also continues a strong run in red and black after making his VFL debut in the second half of the 2023 season.

The James Hird Academy prospect featured 17 times in 2024 and tallied a career-high 35 disposals in the penultimate round against the Northern Bullants, eventually taking home the Bombers’ VFL Rising Star Award for a promising season.

McKay was another who received kudos for his efforts this year, taking home the club’s Best Development Player Award after two strong years of growth within the program.

The intercepting defender showed great versatility throughout the year, particularly in the first half of the season where he strung together a run of eight consecutive games and impressed behind the ball.

Taha, another JHA product who has represented Vic Metro at Under 18 level in the past, worked his way into the VFL side in 2023 and made his debut against Sydney at Windy Hill in round 19 of that season.

Coming off a season hampered by injuries, Taha will be keen to try and cement a spot in the line-up once again in 2025.

New signing Quigg, who captained the Murray Bushrangers in 2022 and claimed second place in their Best and Fairest in the same year, joins the Bombers after a productive season at VFL level with GWS.

The 185cm midfielder-forward from Seymour will be keen to bring his talents to the squad next season.

Essendon VFL officially begin their pre-season preparation with an extended squad this week.