EMERGING Essendon forward Orazio Fantasia has re-signed with the Bombers until the end of 2019.

Fantasia was one of the young players who stood up for Essendon last season while 12 of its senior players were serving anti-doping bans.

After rotating between the midfield and defence in his first two seasons, Fantasia thrived after being switched into attack last season, kicking 29 goals in 19 games to finish eighth in the Bombers' best and fairest count.

The South Australian was due to come out of contract at the end of this season but has recommitted to the Bombers on a new two-year deal.

"Essendon has such a strong culture and I'm thrilled to be a part of such a proud club," Fantasia said.

"Melbourne is my home now and I want to be a leader of this football club over the next few years, alongside Dyson Heppell, Zach Merrett and Joe Daniher.

"We know there is a lot of hard work ahead, but we want to take this club to its next period of sustained success.

"It's a very exciting time for this club and I'm pumped to be part of it."

Essendon coach John Worsfold said Fantasia had a bright future.

"Orazio is a young man of strong character who sets a high standard with his commitment to training," Worsfold said.

"He'll form a key part of our forward group this season and his willingness to learn gives me a lot of confidence that Essendon fans are going to have an exciting player to watch over the next few years."

Recruited from Norwood in the SANFL, Fantasia was selected by the Bombers with pick No.55 in the 2013 NAFL AFL Draft.

He has since played 27 senior games and kicked 31 goals.