A trio of Bombers have put pen to paper on new deals, securing their future in the red and black.
Andrew Phillips and Patrick Voss have signed one-year extensions, while first-year Bomber Tex Wanganeen has been locked away on a two-year deal.
Wanganeen made his debut as the medical sub in Round 2 after signing a rookie contract just four months prior. He has proceeded to play five games and kick one goal before his season was cut short after he went under the knife due to "ankle/ foot soreness".
Phillips will extend his career into a 12th season with the former Giant and Blue starting to form a solid partnership with young ruckman Sam Draper in the back half of this year.
The 31-year-old has been a valuable asset in his time at GWS, Carlton and now Essendon, and is still seen as important to the development of Draper, who has had his own ups and downs throughout the 2022 season.
Voss is yet to play a game for the Bombers since being drafted with pick No.9 in the 2021 NAB AFL Rookie Draft but has impressed since arriving at The Hangar.
Wanganeen spoke bout the pride he felt being able to commit to the club for the next two seasons.
โThe club has been unbelievable in the support theyโve shown to me throughout my football journey, whether that be through my time in the James Hird Academy, as a train-on player and now as an AFL player,โ Wanganeen said.
โIโve grown up loving the Essendon Football Club, so Iโm very excited to see where our playing group can go in the years ahead.โ
Fellow youngster Voss said he was loving his time at The Hangar and was looking forward to what is ahead.
โIโve loved my first year at Essendon. The boys and coaches have made me feel welcome since I first stepped through the door,โ Voss said.
โI am grateful to have the opportunity to continue growing and developing my skills while in a supportive environment surrounded by great coaches and teammates.โ
Phillips is on the other end of the career timeline to Voss and Wanganeen but said the youth was what was helping drive him forward in the latter stages of his career. Particularly his work with Draper and other young ruck Nick Bryan.
โWe have such an exciting group of young players coming through the ranks and I canโt wait to work closely with these guys and especially Sam Draper and Nick Bryan to continue taking the club forward,โ Phillips said.
General manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said in the statement released by the Bombers that the clubs was thrilled to lock away key parts of their present and future.
โWe are thrilled to have Andrew, Pat and Tex all recommit to the club,โ Dodoro said.
โAndrew is a fantastic club person and on the field, presents the versatility to play through the ruck and up forward. In his time at the Club, he has been a strong role model and mentor for our younger rucks.
โAt VFL level, Pat has demonstrated his toughness and physical presence in our forward line while being eager to learn and develop his craft.
โTex has impressed quickly with his natural athleticism and pace while also demonstrating his determination to develop and improve his game.
โWe look forward to seeing Andrew, Pat and Tex continue contributing to the Essendon Football Club.โ
