Amid intense speculation surrounding the future of Essendon captain Zach Merrett, the Bombers have given fans a reprieve by announcing the signings of three rising talents from the 2025 season, all of whom have extended their contracts until the end of 2026.
Defender Jaxon Prior, forward Liam McMahon and key tall Lachie Blakiston have all recommitted following strong performances in the back half of the season.
Prior was delisted by Brisbane following the 2024 season but earned his way back onto an AFL list via the Supplemental Selection Period last November and was one of the few to avoid the Bombers' injury curse, featuring in all 23 games this year.
Prior's last month is a confidence booster for him and the club, averaging 16.6 disposals at 83 per cent efficiency in his last five games of the season, as well as 4.8 marks per game.
"I feel very grateful to sign on at a club that gave me an opportunity after being delisted,” Prior said.
“I wasn't sure how I was going to go this season, coming into a new environment was quite nerve-racking, but I was able to get a strong foundation physically, which allowed me to get to work on the relationships, game-plan and the mental side of the game.
"I'm very confident in this group and their professionalism that over pre-season they'll do everything right to get ready for a big 2026 campaign.”
McMahon and Blakiston were both selected in the 2025 Mid-Season Draft, featuring in seven and 11 games, respectively.
At his best, McMahon was an electric presence inside forward 50 and kicked a major in five of his seven appearances, including a four-goal haul against Geelong, which was followed by three goals against St Kilda in Round 23.
"I couldn't be more grateful to have been given another year to develop and show my strengths at AFL level," McMahon said.
"I'm really determined to repay the club for the faith they've shown in giving me the chance to fulfil my dream.
"I'm just really keen for more opportunities to play in front of the red and black faithful in 2026."
Blakiston quickly became a cornerstone in defence for the Bombers, facing 1.8 defensive one-on-one contests per game, which ranked fourth at Tullamarine.
At 27 years old, the mature-ager is grateful to have the opportunity to continue to live out his AFL dream in 2026.
“The past few months have been an incredible experience. Coming in as a mature ager, I was super grateful to be given the opportunity,” Blakiston said.
"Playing a new role was challenging but also rewarding. It allowed me to develop my game and become more versatile.
"Being given another year to don the sash is so exciting and something I'm really looking forward to. I've loved being part of this club and don't take this opportunity lightly.”
The trio joins a number of players extending their time with the club through at least next season, with Archie Roberts, Jayden Nguyen, Nick Bryan and Vigo Visentini all penning deals in recent weeks.
