Former Essendon midfielder Kurt Aylett has returned to The Hangar, joining the Bombers’ 2019 VFL squad from Werribee.

Hailing from Leeton in country New South Wales, Aylett began his four-season AFL career as a Greater Western Sydney foundation player in 2012.

Arriving at the Bombers via the 2013 trade period, the 26-year-old played two senior games before being delisted at the end of 2015.

He spent the past three years with VFL side Werribee, playing 18 games and averaging 21 disposals and seven tackles in 2018.

Aylett’s strong 2018 campaign – he was named in the club’s best players on nine occasions - was all the more impressive given he had played just five VFL games in 2017 after overcoming a serious ankle injury.

Aylett celebrates his first win in the red and black back in 2014. (Photo: AFL Media)

Essendon VFL operations manager Ash Brown said the club was delighted to secure Aylett’s services, as it looks to build on last year’s preliminary-final finish. 

“With three years in the VFL and four in the AFL across two clubs, Kurt will bring a wealth of experience to our team in 2019,” Brown said.

“His leadership skills will also be an asset for us, having spent last season in Werribee’s leadership group.

“We’re delighted to welcome Kurt back to the club and know that the relationships he built during his time at Essendon will serve him well in his transition.” 

Aylett is set to be joined by fellow new signings in the coming weeks, while 2018 players Heath Hocking, Aaron Heppell, Daniel Younan, Edyn Sibbald, Nino Lazzaro, Wilson Berry and Jake McQueen have been re-signed.