Star midfielder Maddy Prespakis has signed a four-year deal, keeping her in the red and black until at least the end of 2027.
Already contracted for the 2024 season, Prespakis quickly extended her commitment to the club she grew up supporting.
A key signing ahead of the Bombers' inaugural AFLW season, Prespakis continues to be one of the premier midfielders in the league.
Since arriving at the NEC Hangar from Carlton, Prespakis has played all 21 of the Bombers' games and claimed the club's inaugural AFLW Best and Fairest Award in 2022.
Across her 55-game career, Prespakis has established herself as a premier midfielder throughout the league. She averages 26 disposals, 13 kicks, and five tackles per game and hits the scoreboard 26 times.
An accumulator with the ball in hand, Prespakis was the youngest-ever player to reach 1000 career disposals in round three this season.
At only 23 years old, Prespakis has already established an impressive football resume, including the 2020 AFLW Best and Fairest, three All-Australian selections, four club Best and Fairest awards (three at Carlton, one at Essendon) and the 2019 Rising Star Award.
"It's super special to have signed. It's not a hidden fact that I've grown up an Essendon supporter—my Nan used to bring us to Windy Hill, and I'd be running around getting as many player signatures as possible. As a kid, I never dreamt of being an Essendon AFLW player, but now I'm in the shoes of one, and it's pretty special," Prespakis said.
"I pinch myself every time I drive down the driveway at the Hangar and it's a surreal feeling to run out here (Windy Hill) for our home games. I just love every moment I get to wear the red and black.
"Signing for four years is something I'm extremely grateful for. To have the club want me to be part of the fabric for the next four years is incredibly special. I'm a leader in the side and I want to harness everything to bring success to the Essendon Football Club."
AFLW List and Recruiting Manager Georgia Harvey said Prespakis' long-term commitment is an exciting prospect for the AFLW program.
"To have a player of Maddy's calibre and capability commit to the club on a four-year deal is not only a fantastic reflection of Maddy's ability but also the direction the AFLW program is heading in," Harvey said.
"Maddy has grown significantly over the past two years, evidenced by her elevation into our leadership group ahead of the 2023 season, and she continues to be driven and committed to developing her own game.
"A Bomber through and through, Maddy has immense passion and pride for the Essendon Football Club. We look forward to seeing what she can achieve over the next four years."
