Hard-running wingman Brayden Ham has signed on with the Bombers for a further year.
Agreeing to new terms to extend his contract, the 21-year-old will remain in the red and black until at least the end of 2022.
Drafted from St Mary’s in Geelong, Ham arrived at Essendon with pick No.72 in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft.
He has played 19 senior games, with his best performance coming in the Bombers’ recent 75-point win over St Kilda, where he racked up 25 disposals and nine marks.
Ham said he was pumped to remain at the Bombers.
“I’m really excited to sign on and thank the club for this opportunity to extend the contract for another year,” Ham said.
“We had a really enjoyable pre-season under new senior coach ‘Truck’ (Ben Rutten) and we’re really clear on the direction we’re heading with this exciting young playing group, so I want to be part of that.
“We showed last week playing Sydney we can take it to the top teams, and our best footy this season is still ahead of us so I just want to play my role and do what I can to take this group forward. I’m grateful for this opportunity and want to make the most of it for a team I love playing with.”
General manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said the new terms were a reward for Ham’s loyalty to the club.
“We’re pleased to extend Brayden’s contract for a further year. This is a worthy reward for him early in the season,” Dodoro said.
“Brayden had a terrific pre-season and that has been reflected in his recent on-field performances so far this season. He is a hard-running winger and has taken on the opportunities that have been presented to him through the midfield, and we need Brayden to continue doing that.
“Brayden is a great young man who will be an important contributor for us over the coming years with this exciting young playing group.”
Ham’s re-signing follows the news last week of star midfielder/forward Devon Smith extending his contract terms to remain in the red and black until at least the end of 2023.
This news is brought to you by Orchard HRO, the club's official recruitment and list management partner.
