Essendon young gun Michael Hurley has agreed to a new two-year deal with the Bombers.
The contract will see the 19-year-old secured by the club until the end of the 2012 season.
General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton described the signing as ""important"" and ""exciting"" news.
""We are very confident we have a special young player on our hands,"" Hamilton said.
""It's great news for the club and our fans that Michael has agreed to a new contract as he will be an important part of our future.
""Michael has told us that he wants to be part of this developing group of players and see what they can achieve as a group.
""I know that Michael views himself as an Essendon person and our fans already embrace him as an Essendon favourite.""
Hamilton said Hurley has shown he could develop into a strong marking, key position player for the next decade.
""He has already shown at AFL level that he is a really good mark, has football smarts and is very much a team player,"" he said.
""He will continue to develop alongside players such as Scott Gumbleton, Tayte Pears, Paddy Ryder and Cale Hooker which will help us create a really formidable spine.""
