Essendon Bombers ruckmamn Sam Draper has re-signed with the Essendon Bombers on a new two-year deal.
His contract, which was originally due to expire at the end of the 2023 season, will now see Draper instead remain at Essendon until at least the end of the 2025 season.
The 24-year-old, who was taken as the number one draft pick in the 2017 AFL rookie draft, has enjoyed a rapid rise in the sport after only switching to the sport from soccer at the start of 2016.
He would debut in the AFL in 2020, playing sporadically for Essendon over the next two years, but it was 2022 where he became a focal point of the Bombers' team.
Playing every game during the season, he became a key part of Essendon's midfield, averaging more than 24 hit outs, scoring 12 times and kicking a goal during Round 18 that would be voted as the goal of the year.
Draper said he loves playing at Essendon in a club statement.
“I absolutely love this footy club and I'm really excited for this next chapter at the Bombers under Brad (Scott),” Draper said.
“I'm committed and willing to do everything I can to take this great club back to where it needs to be. My heart is with Essendon and I can't imagine myself anywhere else.
“We have a strong pre-season ahead and I look forward to working hard alongside my teammates to be the best we can be.”
The club's general manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said Draper still had plenty of potential to realise.
“Sam has developed enormously since arriving at the club in 2017 and has become a crucial player for the future of our club,” Dodoro said.
“He is a popular member of our playing group with his infectious energy being very influential throughout the club.
“We look forward to seeing Sam continue to refine his craft and become a dominant force throughout the competition.”