Former St Kilda forward Jack Peris has signed with Essendon's VFL program for the 2024 season.
The Saints delisted Peris at the conclusion of last season after one game in the red, white and black across two years with the club.
The St Kilda Next Generation Academy graduate's debut came in Round 18 last year against the Gold Coast Suns, where he recorded 13 disposals, three marks and four tackles.
Peris was recently training with the Suns prior to the new year as part of the Supplemental Selection Period signing window, with his return to Carrara unclear.
If Peris is unsuccessful in earning a second chance in the top flight, the 20-year-old will see out the year in the red sash with Essendon's reserves.
The Bombers confirmed the addition of Peris to their VFL list for 2024, with the son of two Olympians; Hockey Gold Medallist Nova Peris and sprinter Daniel Batman, expressing his delight in heading to the Hangar.
"This is a really exciting opportunity and I'm looking forward to getting stuck into it,โ Peris said in a club statement.
"The club is creating a healthy environment around its VFL program and that's been really apparent to me early in the piece.
"I feel this is the best spot for me to push my footy forward and slot well into a building team."
Peri becomes the third recently delisted AFL talent to sign with Blake Caracella's squad for the coming season, with ex-West Coast midfielder Xavier O'Neill and former Adelaide and GWS onballer Jackson Hately also heading to Essendon.
The Bombers had signed delisted Hawthorn tall Emerson Jeka prior to his move to Geelong at the Rookie Draft last November.
Essendon's VFL side recorded five wins from 18 games last year under ex-coach Leigh Tudor, with Caracella appointed to the senior coaching position over the off-season.
