Orazio Fantasia is going to remain a Bomber for season 2020, with FoxSports' Matt Balmer reporting that the small forward has turned away from a long-term deal with Port Adelaide.
The potential deal had torn the South Australian between a long-term deal to return to his home state or to honour his contract at Essendon, and his decision will delight Bombers fans.
After recently signing with Adelaide based player agent Michael Doughty, Fantasia underwent minor knee surgery at the conclusion of the season - and his future at the Victorian club was up in the air.
Essendon was aware that Fantasia's three-year contract was heavily front-loaded and they have already paid a significant chunk of it, so the recent decision is a huge win for all Essendon people.
Port Adelaide were eager to get the deal done quickly, but the club had been made aware of Fantasia's decision earlier on Thursday.
Fantasia played 15 games for Essendon this year amidst injury problems, but remained as one of the more exciting forwards in the league.
The 23-year-old has played a total of 75 games in the red and black, kicking over 100 goals in that time after being selected deep into the 2013 National Draft.