In a season nearly devoid of joy, Essendon wingman Nic Martin has been a bright spot. Now, with a Rising Star nomination and a regular position in the Bombers' 22 under his belt, Martin is looking to add a freshly-inked contract to the barnstorming beginning of his AFL career.
Martin, along with free agent midfielder Kyle Langford, is in talks over a new deal, according to AFL.com's Callum Twomey.
Signed in February after an impressive pre-season, Martin's status as a supplemental selection period (SSP) signing means that his contract will expire at the end of the 2022 season.
Having played all games possible - outside of a health and safety protocols-enforced break in Round 2 - Martin is a clear candidate for an extension, expected by AFL.com to be a two-year contract.
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Langford meanwhile is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, but is currently in talks with the Dons over an extension.
The midfielder, who won Essendon's Best Clubman Award in 2020 and 2021, is currently nursing a hamstring injury suffered in Round 1.
The 2014 first-round pick is a crucial part of the Bombers' midfield mix, having enjoyed a career-best season in 2021 with career-high averages in disposals, marks and metres gained.
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In other news around the league, improving Hawthorn spearhead Mitch Lewis is hopeful of extending his stay at the Hawks after an exciting beginning to the 2022 season, as reported by AFL.com.
Lewis has bagged 15 goals so far this year, but sat out of the Hawks' loss to the Swans with hamstring soreness. He will have to pass a fitness test to be eligible to face Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.
Carlton's Matthew Kennedy is another who may receive a contract extension shortly, after the Blues opened talks with the free agent midfielder.
Kennedy's breakout season has worked in tandem with the resurgence of Patrick Cripps, and the fine form of recruit George Hewett.
After a hot start, Carlton have dropped two of their last three games, and sit seventh with a 4-2 record.
