In the wake of Saturday night’s disappointing loss to Port Adelaide, the club received good news today with Mark Johnson re-signing. The 2002 Crichton Medallist agreed to a new two-year-deal that will expire at the end of 2005. Johnson is the third big name to be re-signed by the club in recent weeks. Sean Wellman and Matthew Lloyd have already committed to deals. Over the next few weeks Essendon will continue to work on signing its out of contract players including Scott Lucas, Dean Rioli and Danny Jacobs.

Essendon chief executive Peter Jackson said the club was pleased to re-sign Johnson and said he is an important part of the club’s future on-field plans. “He has been rewarded for his hard work and dedication. Mark has become a vital part of our leadership group and it is important that we maintain this group,” Jackson said. “Mark is a best and fairest winner and his consistent form this season has again proven what a vital asset he is to this football club.”

Johnson has been one of the success stories of the Rookie system. He was elevated to the senior list at the end of 1998 after two seasons on the rookie list. He received a National Rising Star nomination in 1999 and was a member of the 2000 premiership side.