Essendon Football Club is delighted to announce Aaron Francis has agreed to a two-year contract extension that will see him run out in the red and black until at least the end of 2019.

The South Australian said he was keen to repay the faith the Club had shown as the side builds towards future success.

“I am so honoured to be pursuing my AFL career at the Club I have always supported,” Francis said.

“Making my debut earlier this year was a dream come true and now I’ve had a taste of senior football, I’m committed to working hard on my game so I can cement my spot in the side.

“I really appreciate the opportunity the Club has given me, I am learning so much under Woosha’s leadership and am looking forward to another big pre-season alongside my current team mates.”

General Manager of Football, Rob Kerr, said Francis had shown great progress and development both on and off the field in his first year.

“Aaron is an exciting young player who despite some injury setbacks has shown his versatility to be able to play both forward and back,” Kerr said.

“He is a committed young footballer, who is very hungry to learn and develop – he’s a fierce competitor and is regarded as an important part of our Club’s future.

“Aaron provides great strength to our young talent that Essendon supporters can enjoy watching develop over the next few years.”

Francis played three senior games this season since making his debut in Round 18 against the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium. The 19-year old also played a key role in the Club’s VFL campaign this season.

List and Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro, said Francis was an outstanding person and an exciting prospect for the Club’s future.

“We know that Aaron sees himself as part of the Essendon family and the long-term future of the Club,” Dodoro said.

“Since arriving at the Bombers, Aaron has worked incredibly hard on the training track, his determination to improve as a player has been second to none.

“There is still plenty of progress to be made with Aaron’s development, but another strong pre-season will give him the opportunity to improve his game further and we’re really looking forward to what we will see from him in 2017 and beyond.”

Francis was recruited from West Adelaide in South Australia and picked up by the Bombers with the 6th overall pick in the 2015 National Draft.