Lifelong Essendon supporter Harrison Jones will continue to don the sash for at least the next two years, with the 20-year-old penning a new deal.

The exciting forward has agreed to terms on a contract extension that will see him remain at the NEC Hangar until at least the end of 2023.

Jones’ childhood dreams were realised when he was drafted to the Bombers from the Calder Cannons with pick No.30 in the 2019 NAB AFL Draft.

After being sidelined with a stress fracture injury in 2020, the Gisborne product made his long-awaited AFL debut in round one against Hawthorn and has featured in every game since.

He’s kicked 13 goals from 10 games, including 10 in his past four, and is ranked first for contested marks and third for marks inside 50 among eligible Rising Star players.

Jones said he was excited to have signed on with the red and black. 

“I’m really grateful to the club for the opportunity to put pen to paper on a new deal, and I want to repay the faith they’ve shown in me,” Jones said. 

“It’s kind of been a surreal start to the season and I was obviously pretty excited to make the debut against Hawthorn after a frustrating last year dealing with the foot injury.  

“I’m really enjoying learning the forward craft from the likes of ‘Walla’ (Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti), ‘Hooksy’ (Cale Hooker), ‘String’ (Jake Stringer) and ‘Wrighty’ (Peter Wright).

“‘Truck’ (senior coach Ben Rutten) has personally been unreal for me. He’s really clear with us on what he wants from this playing group. 

“We’re all really hungry for success and our best footy is ahead of us, so I’m rapt to be a part of that.”

General manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said Jones had a bright future at Essendon. 

“We targeted and traded up for Harry in the 2019 draft and we’ve been really pleased with the progression he is making. He knows he has a long way to go but we know our members and supporters have been excited by what he’s shown in our forward line over recent weeks,” Dodoro said.  

“Harry will continue to apply himself and hone his craft but we’re confident he will be an exciting and important contributor to our side over the years to come.”

Jones’ re-signing follows the extensions of teammates Brayden Ham and Devon Smith in recent weeks.  

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