Essendon has opened up contract talks with rising defender Jordan Ridley, according to AFL.com.au.
Ridley is out of contract at season's end and it believed that negotiations have begun between Ridley's manager Nick Gieschen and the Bombers for a new deal.
The 21-year old has become one of the game's most improved performers, averaging 17 disposals and seven marks per game while becoming a crucial part of the Bombers' back half with his strong disposal and intercept marking.
Having only previously played nine game in the last three seasons, mainly due to injury, Ridley's new-found consistency will be rewarded in his new deal.
He joins Andrew McGrath, Adam Saad and Joe Daniher as the Bombers' main targets to lock away in the upcoming months.
The COVID-19 contract freeze imposed in March has resulted in mixed results for the Bombers, with Saad opening talks on a possible four-year extension before negotiations were put on hold.
Both McGrath and Ridley are for upgraded deals for their play this season.
Almost half the Bombers list is out of contract at season's end, with Tom Bellchambers, Martin Gleeson, Will Snelling, Shaun McKernan, Mitch Hibberd and Jacob Townsend all unrestricted free agents.
Brayden Ham, Kyle Langford and Jayden Laverde are other senior regulars without a new deal for 2021.
Youngsters Josh Begley, Noah Gown, Irving Mosquito and Kobe Mutch, as well as forward James Stewart are also unsigned for 2021.
