Essendon VFL have retained the services of livewire forward Oskar Smartt for 2025, while key forward Riley Leedham from the Calder Cannons has also committed to the Bombers for next season.

The pair join a growing list of Dons to sign on for the upcoming year as the club continues its pre-Christmas block of pre-season training, following on from last week’s batch of signings including former Kangaroos forward Tyler Sellers.

Smartt showed promise in his 12 appearances at VFL level with the Dons in 2024, booting a season-high of four goals in an eye-catching effort against Footscray at Marvel Stadium in round four.

The 19-year-old brings plenty of flair and aggression to Essendon’s forward mix, with his signing coming off the back of a strong finish to last season that included quality showings for the Young Guns in their carnival against Vic Metro and Vic Country.

Leedham joins the Bombers from their Coates Talent League affiliate side in the Calder Cannons, where he enjoyed a positive year of development last season.

The 195cm 18-year-old displays unselfish traits for a key forward, with his appetite for tackling and applying defensive pressure serving as key pillars of his game.

Leedham booted 13 goals in 15 games for Calder this season and at one stage laid 20 tackles over a three-week stretch – his toughness and willingness to crash packs will make him an exciting prospect for the side next year.