Former St Kilda player James Gwilt agreed to terms on a new one-year deal with the Bombers.
Gwilt joined Essendon in 2015 after 126 games with the Saints.
โItโs never easy starting at a new footy club, but I found the transition easier than expected with a lot of support from the club and the guys have been great welcoming me and my family,โ Gwilt said.
โWeโre a really tight defensive unit and thatโs been a big factor behind why Iโve enjoyed my football this season.
โThere are plenty of talented young guys coming through, weโve proven we can compete with the best and Iโm excited to get back out there after pre-season in 2016.โ