Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce Martin Gleeson has agreed to a two-year contract extension.

The new deal will see the agile defender remain at the Bombers until at least the end of the 2018 season.

Gleeson said he has confidence in the football program established under John Worsfold.

“I’ve really enjoyed my first season under Woosha and I’m excited to be continuing my career at Essendon,” Gleeson said.

“The bond amongst the players is really strong, we have made some great progress as a playing group this season, we are demanding elite standards of each other and building a really strong team culture.

“We know we have plenty of hard work ahead of us if we want to compete with the elite sides in the competition, but we also have so much to look forward to in 2017 and this is a team I want to be part of.”

Gleeson joins Aaron Francis as the second young defender to re-sign with the Club this week.

Despite his wiry build, Gleeson is known for his courage, often launching in front of packs to take intercept marks. He also thrives on transitioning from defence into attack with speed.

General Manager of Football, Rob Kerr, said the young defender had continued to show great signs of progress in his game.

“Marty has proved himself as an important part of our senior list and an important part of our future,” Kerr said.

“He is a highly respected member of our playing group and the competitive spirit he brings to the side each week is invaluable.

“Since Marty arrived at the Club he has displayed great professionalism and maturity. The players are building a strong culture based on hard work and upholding elite standards, and Marty will continue to play an important role in driving this next season.”

The 22-year old played 20 games in his fourth season with the Bombers.

This season also saw Gleeson reach his 50 game milestone in Round 22 against the Western Bulldogs since making his AFL debut with the Club in Round 1 against North Melbourne in 2014.

List and Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro, said Gleeson was the epitome of a heart and soul player for the Essendon Football Club.

“Marty is a reliable and consistent performer in our senior side, we know every time he pulls on the Bombers’ guernsey he is going to give his all,” Dodoro said.

“He will benefit greatly from the return of his senior team mates as he continues to develop his game and we believe he still has his best football ahead of him.”

“Marty is a fantastic young leader and ambassador for our Club and we’re really looking forward to what he will contribute to our line up in 2017 and beyond.”

Gleeson was recruited from North Ballarat in Victoria and selected by the Bombers with pick 53 in the 2012 National Draft. He made his debut against North Melbourne in the opening round of the 2014 season.