Will Snelling's career reboot continues to go from strength to strength, with the midfielder-forward signing a one-year contract extension to keep him in the red and black until at least the end of 2021.

The 23-year-old joined Essendon via the 2019 NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft from SANFL club West Adelaide, having been delisted by Port Adelaide after three seasons on the Power's list.

Playing four senior games in 2019, Snelling built on an impressive start to become one of just five Bombers to feature in all 17 matches in 2020, taking his career tally to 22.

The South Australian has made a name for himself as a pressure forward who can make an impact in stints in midfield, placing 16th for total tackles (79) and 18th for total tackles inside 50 (17) this year.

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Snelling's 2020 highlights

Watch the best bits from Will Snelling's 2020 season, after the forward re-signed with the club until at least 2021.

Snelling said he was thrilled to continue his career with the Bombers, who he grew up barracking for.

“I’m excited to have re-signed with the club for the 2021 season,” Snelling said.

“I was really grateful to the Essendon Football Club to give me an opportunity again at AFL level. Being out of the game has given me greater perspective so I’m appreciative for the faith the club has shown. I am rapt to have committed to another year. 

“It was a tough season, but as a playing group we’re committed to a pre-season that demands high standards amongst us all and I know ‘Truck’ (senior coach Ben Rutten) will drive this hard. I’m really looking forward to coming back to the club in the coming weeks and starting under Truck’s program as he takes this group forward into 2021 and beyond.”

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He is a hard worker and is someone we can rely on to bring intensity and effort every time he steps out on to the field.
Adrian Dodoro

General manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said Snelling’s contract extension was a due reward for his hard work. 

“This is a terrific reward for Will, who came to us in a non-traditional pathway but has grasped his opportunity with both hands,” Dodoro said. 

“He is a hard worker and is someone we can rely on to bring intensity and effort every time he steps out on to the field.

“We see a lot of upside with Will, and hopefully another pre-season under his belt will help him grow under the guidance of new senior coach Ben Rutten.

“We look forward to seeing Will develop next season and contribute towards bringing our club on-field success.”

This news is brought to you by Orchard HRO, the club's official recruitment and list management partner.