Breakout midfielder Jye Caldwell looks set to recommit to Essendon on a four-year deal which would lock him away at Windy Hill until the end of 2028, per 7AFL.
Caldwell is enjoying his best season at AFL level this year, jumping to average 22 disposals, 4.1 marks, 6.9 tackles 4.4 clearances and 5.9 score-involvements; all career-highs.
The former Giant has become an integral part of a midfield brigade with newfound quality, led by captain Zach Merrett and fellow breakout star Sam Durham, as Darcy Parish waits in the wings for his return.
He has transformed his game to become a defensive role player who can still get his own, ranking fifth in the competition for total tackles, often quelling opposition threats while impacting the scoreboard on the other end.
The Dons are locking in Jye Caldwell 🔒
[via @TheoDrop] pic.twitter.com/IW5xPZ4WpA
— 7AFL (@7AFL) July 4, 2024
Not yet 24, there is still a mountain of growth left in his game, and Essendon may have the perfect environment for his development, being a young group on the rise to contention, led by a highly intelligent and experienced coach at the forefront.
The extension rumours come after two of Caldwell's best career games in succession, recording 26 disposals, 11 tackles and a goal while tagging opposition star Elliot Yeo in a Round 15 win over West Coast, before his 32 disposal, 12 tackle, 12 clearance performance in the Bombers' weekend loss to Geelong.
He has lifted during Essendon's current struggles, having lost three of their last four after sitting comfortably in the top four on the ladder.
Tomorrow night's clash with Collingwood is a season-defining match for the Bombers and Caldwell may play a pivotal role should Brad Scott opt to run with the Pies' young champ Nick Daicos.
