Essendon re-signed 2024 Mid-Season Draft recruit Saad El-Hawli for a further 12 months, extending his services with the club until the end of next year.
It's the second contract commitment to the Bombers in just over 12 months for the Northern Bullants product, who signed a one-year deal in August last year.
The 24-year-old, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, has played five AFL games in the red and black after making his debut in Round 3 this year against Port Adelaide.
"I'm just extremely grateful for the opportunity that Essendon has given me and I can't wait to prove myself in this coming year as well," El-Hawli said of his contract extension.
"There's plenty of footy left to go even in this season and I'm keen to put my best foot forward, hopefully crack into the team and get some positive momentum going.
"It's not just a dream for me to be out here, it's also a dream for my family. The Bomber army have been amazing in embracing us, and it definitely gives me extra confidence and motivation when I hear them out there."
El-Hawli is averaging 11.2 disposals and 2.4 marks per game in his career as a dashing flanker under Brad Scott.
Drafted out of the Bullants last year afte dominant form in the VFL to start his 2024 campaign, El-Hawli has continued to be a bright spark at the level in the red sash over the past year.
His re-signing sees Essendon reduce their list of off-contract players for this year, with the likes of Nick Bryan, Sam Draper, Todd Goldstein, Ben Hobbs, Jayden Laverde, Luamon Lual,Jye Menzie, Will Setterfield, Dylan Shiel and Vigo Visentini, among others, yet to secure deals for 2026.
