Essendon Coach John Worsfold says the Club is building some exciting midfield depth for 2017. 

The on-ball division for next season was bolstered by confirmation Ben Howlett will return to the Club. 

His recommitment follows on from earlier midfield signings Dyson Heppell, David Myers, Travis Colyer, Heath Hocking and Brent Stanton. 

That group will join fellow established midfielders David Zaharakis, Zach Merrett and Craig Bird as well as young players Darcy Parish and Kyle Langford.

There is also the opportunity to add more talent at the National Draft.

“We’ve got a lot of names we can throw through there now and some of the other young players that have had opportunities – Langford through the midfield at times this year, Long playing on a wing late in the season … there is some great depth coming through,” Worsfold said. 

Howlett has played 117 games for the Bombers. 

Since making his debut in 2010 he’s played at least 15 games every season up until this year.

He has also shown an ability to go forward and kick goals with bags of five and four goals to his credit. 

“I’m really pleased for us as a Club, for our playing group – they were all excited to hear the news – but really excited for Ben as well,” Worsfold said.

“It has been a tough year for him and I know he loved the Essendon Football Club.

“It’s a big decision to decide where you’re going to continue on with your footy career, so the fact that he was able to get to that point, I know it would be a big relief for him and he’d be really excited about it.”