Emerging midfielder Jake Melksham has signalled his commitment to the club after signing a new two-year contract with Essendon this week.

The new deal will ensure the young midfielder wears the red and black until at least the end of the 2013 season, and puts him outside the GWS drafting window.

Melksham, 21, was selected with pick 10 in last year’s draft and had a best on ground performance against Geelong last week, amassing a career-high 29 disposals.

General manager football operations Paul Hamilton said the club was extremely pleased to have secured Melksham for the next two years.

“We are really pleased that Jake has committed to the club. He is a very promising young player who has made significant progress since being drafted to the club last year,” Hamilton said.

“We have seen Jake really developing and learning under the guidance of James Hird and midfield coach Simon Goodwin and believe he will develop into a future leader of this football club in time.”