Essendon pair Will Setterfield and Rhys Unwin have earned one-year deals to stay at the Bombers for the 2027 season.
Setterfield, a former Pick 5 at Greater Western Sydney, was cut from Essendon at the end of the 2025 season before receiving an SSP lifeline for 2026.
The 28-year-old midfielder impressed across 11 games averaging 23 disposals and will be hoping to keep his good form running under new coach Mark McVeigh.
Unwin, who suffered a hamstring injury during the season, was taken with Pick 61 in the 2024 National Draft and has played seven games so far in his career.
Essendon list manager Matt Rosa said he was pleased to see how both players responded to adversity in 2026.
“It's great to have Will and Rhys on board for next season,” Rosa said.
“Will has shown outstanding professionalism and commitment to the footy club in his tenure, but especially this season. To come back and perform the way he has after a lengthy waiting period on his future at the end of last season is a testament to his character.
“He's such a well respected person around the club and brings a really healthy level of experience to our younger midfielders – he'll be important for us in 2027.
“Rhys is a high potential player and we've seen our share of glimpses of that in his first couple of seasons.
“His balance, footwork and creativity with the ball are really exciting traits, but he's also really impressed us with his willingness to apply pressure and play a role up forward. He also is a great culture fit for our youngsters.
“With another full pre-season under his belt, we'll see more growth and consistency in his game next year.”
