Essendon forward Matt Gulefi has re-committed to the Bombers on a fresh two-year contract extension, taking him through to his eighth and ninth years at the club.
Despite a devastating end to Essendon's 2024 campaign, Guelfi performed admirably in his 13-match campaign, kicking 15 goals, averaging 12 disposals a game and a career high 3.5 tackles.
He took on some challenging roles throughout the season, notably quelling All-Australian Giant Lachie Whitfield earlier in the season, while providing an opposition headache with his own forward craft.
He is a team-first player, as reflected by his own words post-signing.
โI'm so proud and excited to sign on with the club for another two years. I have so many great mates here and we are all pushing for the same thing and that's to take Essendon back to a great, powerful club,โ Guelfi said.
โI know we have so much hard work to go but I couldn't think of a better group to do it with. I'm so grateful that the club has shown faith in me and I won't let them down.โ
Top shelf Guelf.
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) August 30, 2024
The club hope to see Guelfi play out more games per season in future years, being hampered by injury for much of his career and much of this season.
When he has featured, he's provided a mercurial presence inside 50, and been well-regarded internally, finishing third-place in the 2022 best & fairest and taking home McCracken Medal, one of Essendon's club values awards.
Club GM Daniel McPherson shared his thoughts on Guelfi's re-signing.
โMatt's a popular member of the playing group and it's great to have him on board for another two seasons,โ McPherson said.
โHe has shown he is an important part of our forward mix and is determined to help drive the club forward.
โโGuelf's had a couple of frustrating injury setbacks in recent seasons but he's really keen to get back on the park and we're just as excited to see what he can produce for us overย the next couple of years at Essendon.โ
