Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce, Shaun McKernan, has agreed to terms on a new deal that will see him remain at the Club for season 2016.

The 25 year-old has accepted a one year contract which will also see him elevated onto the senior list.

McKernan said he was excited to secure his future at the Bombers for another season.

“I really enjoyed my first season of footy at Essendon, so to secure a new deal and be elevated onto the senior list is obviously extremely exciting for me,” McKernan said.

“I have full confidence in my teammates and our ambition to improve and be more competitive in 2016, we’re looking forward to playing under ‘Woosha’ and we want to reward our fans for sticking by us.

“With Tommy and now Matthew Leuenberger coming on board, there’s some great talent and experience amongst our ruck group.

“There’ll obviously be competition for spots in the lead up to Round One, so I can’t wait to get stuck into pre-season.”

McKernan made his debut for the Bombers against North Melbourne in Round 7, and played a total of nine senior games in 2015.

His standout performance came in Round 21 against the Gold Coast Suns, where he notched 26 hit-outs, five clearances, 24 disposals and kicked three goals.

List and Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro, said McKernan thoroughly deserved his promotion to the senior list.

“Shaun was our first Rookie selection last year, he had an outstanding start to the season in the VFL, before earning his spot in the senior side,” Dodoro said.

“Shaun’s competitive nature is his strength. Despite giving away a significant height advantage, he only stands at 196 centimetres, his second efforts ensured our midfield still got first use of the football.

“Shaun is a terrific young man, and his promotion is just reward for a player whose career was at the cross-roads 12 months ago.”

To view McKernan’s official player profile, click here.