Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce Michael Hartley has agreed to a two-year contract extension that will see him remain at the Bombers until the end of 2018.

The new deal is just reward for the 23 year-old who had an impressive debut season in the red and black.

Hartley said he was proud to continue to ‘don the sash’ in 2017 and beyond.

"The playing group is in a really good place, the next few years are going to be exciting for the football club and it's great to be a part of it," Hartley said.

"I'm pumped that I'm going to have the opportunity to play alongside Michael Hurley down back. He's one of just a number of really experienced players who will come back next season, but we're under no illusion that it's going to take plenty of hard work if we're to be competitive.

"Playing under Woosha has been fantastic for my development, I've got a lot of hard work ahead of me but I'm really excited to be able to spend another two years learning and developing in the elite football environment he's established."

Hartley has overcome multiple shoulder injuries to cement his role as a key defender in the Bombers’ back line this season.

He has proved his strength and skill against some of the best tall forwards in the game, ranking first in the competition for defensive 50 pressure points, averaging 14.9 a game.

Senior Coach, John Worsfold, said ‘Harts’ has demonstrated great maturity and commitment to improving all aspects of his game since arriving at the Club.

“Harts has been one of the exciting young players we have seen step up to the challenge of playing and competing at the elite level this season,” Worsfold said.

“He has worked extremely hard on his development this season, he’s done a tremendous job for us as playing at full-back and he’s also learnt a lot from playing on some of the competitions big power forwards.

“We’re really excited about where we are heading as a Club and to have Harts part of this journey next year is fantastic.”

Essendon List and Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro, said Hartley had worked hard on his craft in pursuit of his AFL ambitions.

“Harts has worked tremendously hard to overcome injuries and find his spot in the team and this new deal is a great reward for him,” Dodoro said.

“Harts has such a great attitude – he is a true Clubman who has embraced everyone and his opportunities since getting his second chance.

“With the support of returning defenders in Hurley and Hooker, we are really looking forward to what Harts will continue to offer the club next year as he continues to develop into an elite tall defender.”

During his 19 games this season, Hartley broke the Dons' record for one-percenters and also earned himself a spot in the AFL's team of the week in Rounds 4 and 16.

Hartley joined the Bombers following his selection in the 2015 National Draft and made his AFL debut with the Club in Round 2, 2016 against Melbourne at the MCG.