Essendon has rewarded hard working utility Matt Guelfi with a new one-year deal, tying the 24-year-old to Tullamarine until at least the end of 2022.

Guelfi was drafted with pick 76 in the 2017 NAB AFL draft after playing for Claremont in the WAFL. After making his debut in a win against Port Adelaide in 2018, Guelfi has gone on to play 61 games for the Bombers.

After missing the opening two games of the season, Guelfi has played all bar one in a rejuvenated Essendon outfit led by senior coach Ben Rutten.

MATT GUELFI
Midfielder
Essendon
2021 SEASON AVG
11.8
Disposals
2.7
Tackles
2.1
Inside50s

A versatile player, Guelfi has made appearances in both the midfield and defence in 2021 where he has become known for his high pressure, tackling game.

The Western Australian product has laid 49 tackles this season, the ninth most at The Hangar.

Speaking to the club after the signing, Guelfi expressed his commitment to the potentially finals bound club.

โ€œIโ€™m excited to sign a new deal with the club,โ€ Guelfi said.

โ€œThis season has been an exciting one to be a part of, and Iโ€™ve loved seeing how much weโ€™ve been able to grow as a playing group in such a short time under โ€˜Truckโ€™ (Ben Rutten).

โ€œIโ€™m really pleased Iโ€™m able to remain at the club and continue my development as a player as Iโ€™m desperate to be part of the future success of this club.

โ€œI canโ€™t wait to see what the rest of this season and next year holds.โ€

Adrian Dodoro, Essendon's General manager of list and recruiting, echoed Guelfi's sentiments.

โ€œWeโ€™re very happy to have Matt sign again with us for next season,โ€ Dodoro said.

โ€œHe came to us at the end of 2017 as a mature draftee and heโ€™s been able to make an immediate impact in his time at the club.

โ€œWe really rate Mattโ€™s effort and intensity around the contest, and we know heโ€™s a player whoโ€™s really driven to get the best out of himself.

โ€œWe look forward to seeing Mattโ€™s growth over the off-season and into next year.โ€