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.

โ€œItโ€™s 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.

โ€œWeโ€™re a really tight defensive unit and thatโ€™s been a big factor behind why Iโ€™ve enjoyed my football this season.

โ€œThere are plenty of talented young guys coming through, weโ€™ve proven we can compete with the best and Iโ€™m excited to get back out there after pre-season in 2016.โ€