Off the back of another impressive season in Essendon’s backline, Mark Baguley has agreed to terms on a new multi-year deal.
The tough defender today recommitted for a further two years, a deal which will see him remain at the Club until the end of the 2017 season.
Baguley said he believed the Club can turn its fortunes around next season.
“I feel like Essendon has provided me with the best opportunity to develop my footy, and I wanted to repay the faith they’ve shown in me,” Baguley said.
“I know a number of the boys have mentioned it before, but we’re a really tight group and we feel we have the list that can compete with the best and hopefully achieve some finals success in the future.
“As a group we’ve spoken about the standards we need to set over the pre-season. We’ve seen a number of our younger players show they can match it at senior level, we’ll have a new senior coach and with a bit of luck with injury I’m confident 2016 can be a much better year for the Club.”
The 28 year-old played every game this season, and since debuting in Round 16 2012, he’s only missed two senior games. ‘Baggers’ finished this season averaging 17 disposals, 6 marks and 4 tackles per game.
Assistant Coach Matt Egan said Baguley’s good form was built off the back of his competitive nature.
“Each week ‘Baggers’ is given the job of shutting down the competitions best small forwards. He’s a fierce competitor, he hates losing those one-on-one battles and that’s why his teammates love him,” Egan said
“Baggers’ is a really underrated player, his ability to win his own ball and then transition into attack provides us with a real advantage on game day.”
List and Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro, said Baguley was a great role model for the Club’s emerging list.
“Baggers is a terrific young man, he’s come into the system a little later than others but he hasn’t missed a beat since walking into the Club,” Dodoro said.
“He’s a hard worker who’s hell bent on making sure he improves week to week, and we’re really excited he’s signed on for a further two years.”
Baguley was selected at pick 47 in the 2012 Rookie Draft. To find out more about Baguley, click here.
