Essendon ruckman Tom Bellchambers becomes sixth banned player to re-sign

Essendon ruckman Tom Bellchambers has re-signed with the Bombers.

Bellchambers' new deal will keep him at the club until the end of the 2018 season.

“The time away from the football Club has allowed me to freshen up physically and mentally,” Bellchambers said.

“Missing this season and a big chunk of 2015 through injury makes me want come back fitter and stronger in 2017.

“I really appreciate all that Essendon has done for me over my career, they gave me the chance to pursue my dream of playing AFL and I’m looking forward to repaying the faith they’ve shown me.

“I feel I still have plenty of good footy left in me, I’m excited about our future under John Worsfold and the opportunity to build a really strong ruck combination with Matthew Leuenberger is very exciting.”

Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell said the 26-year-old's decision to re-sign was a great show of confidence in the club.

“Tom is a fantastic young man with an exceptional talent and we’re extremely pleased he’s returning to the Club next season,” Campbell said.

“When we sat down with Tom he spoke about his passion for the Club and his burning ambition to help Essendon become a great Club again.

“Today we’ve seen Kyle Langford and Tom Bellchambers proudly say they want to be part of the new Essendon Football Club. This is a great vote of confidence in the elite football program John Worsfold and the coaching staff are building.”

The Bombers have now signed six of the 12 banned players for next season.