Brent Stanton acknowledges it has been a ‘tough’ year but says the drive to succeed remains.

The 30 year old is the seventh Bomber to recommit to the Club.

He’ll join Cale Hooker, Dyson Heppell, David Myers, Tom Bellchambers, Travis Colyer and Heath Hocking in the red and black next season.

“I still believe I’ve got a lot to give to the Football Club and a lot to the game,” Stanton told SEN.

“I’ve never probably spent so much time in my life at home, especially with two younger kids, and that’s been a blessing in disguise.

“But the passion has always been there and there has been a drive.

“I’ve still been training three or four times a week and I’m really looking forward to finishing out my career on hopefully a high note and having a bit of fun at the same time and putting this last four years behind me.”

Stanton has been a regular place getter in the top three of the best and fairest throughout his 248 game career. 

He made his debut in 2004 and has played at least 15 games in every season up until the end of 2015.

“I really walked into Essendon Football Club a week after I finished year 12 so it’s really the first break I’ve had,” he said.

“I just sort of needed that time, but they never put a time restraint on me.

“Essendon footy Club have been fantastic throughout this whole period, especially John Worsfold and Xavier Campbell and all these guys have been really supportive of allowing us a bit of time to really work out what we want to do.

“I just felt it was a nice time to recommit to the footy club and I’m looking forward to the future.”

In Stanton, and his other established teammates absence, 18 players have made their debut for the Club this season, including six draftees.

20 year old Zach Merrett leads the club for the most possessions per game and 22 year old Joe Daniher and 20 year old Orazio Fantasia top the goal kicking.

“Orazio Fantasia has shown he’s really come on in leaps and bounds from what I’ve seen in the forward line,” Stanton said.

“Zach Merrett has taken his game to another level, Aaron Francis – I know he’s only played two or three games, but you see something really special about him.

“Probably the most obvious one is Darcy Parish.  I was fortunate enough to train with him for two and a half months before the suspensions started and you could see from the outset this kid was going to be special.

“I think he’s lived up to every expectation so far and I have no doubt when a few of us guys come back with a bit of experience around him he’s only going to get even better.”

Throughout his time away from the Club Stanton has followed the side’s fortunes closely and said he’s proud of what the group has accomplished so far.

“I’ve watched nearly every game … I’ve also been to a few games which has been interesting – I haven’t really sat in the stands too often, so it’s sort of been a different feeling,” he said.

“You want to get out there and help the boys as you see they’re putting up their best effort but at the moment that’s not giving them the wins they’re after.

“I’m really proud of what they’ve produced this year. 

“There have been a few games where they haven’t performed but that’s always going to happen with young kids.

“I’m really excited for what the future holds for these younger players and also the Football Club.”