Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce Mark Baguley, Jackson Merrett and Elliott Kavanagh have re-signed for a further two-years.

The new deals will see the exciting trio remain at the club until the end of the 2015 season.

Senior coach James Hird believes the club’s ability to retain its young talent will lay strong foundations for future success.

“It is a big show of faith that our younger players want to remain in the red and black. Our supporters should be very excited about our future,” Hird said.

“The re-signing of these three talented footballers follows of a number of our other younger players recently recommitting to the club this season, including Jake Carlisle and Dyson Heppell.

“With a healthy list and depth in our squad, we feel we’re in a good position at this time of year and we think our younger players have plenty to offer leading in to the second half of the season.”

List Manager Adrian Dodoro said the trio’s decision to re-sign reinforced the positive direction the club was heading.



“Off the back of a terrific start to the season on the field for the club, it’s great to see our exciting young talent in Baguley, Merrett and Kavanagh moving up the ranks.”

Mark Baguley was upgraded to the club’s senior list last year after being drafted in the 2012 Rookie Draft with selection 47. Baguley has been vital in the back half, playing 18 games for the Bombers since his debut in 2012. Click here for Mark Baguley’s player profile.

Jackson Merrett made his debut against Collingwood in Round 23, 2012 and has since played seven games for Essendon. The lightly framed half forward has booted five goals in his seven games this year after being drafted in the 2011 AFL Draft with selection 31. Click here for Jackson Merrett’s player profile.

Elliott Kavanagh was drafted in the 2011 AFL Draft as Essendon’s first round selection. Having immediately impressed in his debut game in Round 18 against Hawthorn, the 20-year-old has added another two games and two goals to his tally this season. Click here for Elliott Kavanagh’s player profile.