After an impressive start to the season that sees them currently one game out of a finals spot, there's a hopeful feeling around the Bombers that three out-of-contract stars will put their signatures on the dotted line and re-sign with the club long-term.
Stars Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish and Jake Stringer are off-contract at the conclusion of the 2021 season, but there is confidence that all will continue their careers at the Bombers.
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Speaking on 3AW Sportsday, Essendon coach Ben Rutten said all three players are important to the clubs' direction long-term and believes the Bombers are building an environment that players will want to be apart of.
“Jake Stringer is a really valuable player for us,” Rutten said.
“He knows how much we love him and how important he is for us, we have a few guys that are out of contract and we’re working through at the moment.
“We’re really hopeful and confident that we’ll be able to retain all those guys and Jake is one of those at the moment.
“We were really pleased to get him back into our team last week and he does give us a different element and he does have a unique skill-set in our team.
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“We’re certainly confident we’re building something our players want to be a part of.”
The Bombers are set to face off against the reigning premiers, Richmond in Round 12 on Saturday night in the clubs' annual 'Dreamtime' clash, which due to the COVID-19 situation in Melbourne, has been moved to Optus Stadium in Perth.
