Essendon veteran, Brent Stanton, will continue his career in the red and black after signing a new one-year deal.

The hard running midfielder’s top ten finish in the Crichton Medal was a just reward for his strong form in the back half of 2015.

A member of the Club’s leadership group, Stanton remains optimistic about what the Club can achieve in 2016.

“It’s great to have re-signed with the football Club and I can’t wait to return for pre-season training next month,” Stanton said.

“I’m confident we have the right players on our list to build a period of sustained success, we’re a better team than what we showed last season and we know to improve it’s going to take a lot of hard work over the summer.

“We have a new coach in John Worsfold and he’s been really clear on the standards he expects of the group.

“I know the guys can’t wait to get back into training ahead of what is a shaping up as a really exciting season for the football Club.”

The durability of the 29 year-old is unquestionable having averaged 20 games per season since making his debut in 2004, he also sits 14th on the Club’s games records table with 248 games to his name.

Senior Coach, John Worsfold, said Stanton’s leadership will play a major role in the Club’s resurgence this season.

“Brent is a senior leader of our football Club and we need him to continue to challenge the group’s standards and lead by example if we’re to build a strong culture and a period of sustained success,” Worsfold said

“Brent’s effort and commitment is unquestionable, he has a fantastic endurance and he finished off 2015 in fantastic form.

“His aerobic endurance will be a key asset for us with the further reduction in rotations, and I’m confident with another big pre-season under his belt he can play some exciting football this year.”

Stanton can extend his contract into a second season if he meets a number of performance based measures.