Jayden Laverde has played nine games in each of his first two seasons, but the small sample has provided plenty to be excited about.

After waiting until round 15 to make his debut in 2015, Laverde remained in the side until season’s end.  His 20 possessions, eight mark and one goal effort against Adelaide was his best.

At 190 centimetres and with a strong frame, the 20 year old went into the 2016 season with the tools needed to become a regular.

But an ankle injury during the pre-season consigned Laverde to the sideline throughout the early rounds. 

He returned in round four, but after an encouraging start including eight possessions and a goal, his arm was in a sling by half time.

After three months recovering from his shoulder injury and building form and fitness in the VFL, Laverde returned to the senior side for the clash against St Kilda in round 16.

He stayed in the senior side for the rest of the season with his match against the Geelong (16 possessions and eight marks) his most promising.

Last week Laverde signed a new contract that will keep him at the Club until at least the end of the 2018 season.

“Having grown up supporting Essendon all my life, I’m really grateful for the opportunity to continue my career in the red and black,” Laverde said. 

“Under Woosha we have a really clear understanding of the hard work we need to do as a team if we want to match it with the elite sides in the competition and achieve success.

“I’ve learnt a lot with my football this season and I can’t wait to come back, train hard and prove myself alongside such a committed and hard working group of footballers who are also some of my closest friends.”

Essendon Coach John Worsfold said he was pleased with the way Laverde was able to finish off the season, after injury held him back at the start of the year.

“Jayden arrived at the Club as an 18-year-old with a lot of raw talent, but through a great deal of hard work he has developed into an important contributor to the team” Worsfold said.

“Jayden worked really hard to get back from injury this year, and his pressure around the contest, clean skills and smart decision making was a great asset to us in the back half of the season.

“He has bought into the vision and culture of the football Club, he understands the hard work that is ahead of the group and the elite standards required if we are to improve as a side next season.”