Essendon has locked away three of its staples for 2026, with Alex Morcom, Mia Busch and Sophie Alexander each signing one-year extensions. 

Morcom and Busch have been frequent contributors in the back half, while Alexander (known to teammates as ‘Magic’) continued to bring terrific forward craft throughout this season. 
 
Since joining the Dons in 2018, Morcom’s experience and leadership has long held her in good stead as a popular and reliable teammate.
 
In recent seasons, it’s her versatility that’s also shone through, ranging from half back to run-with midfield roles at different stages and receiving internal plaudits such as Players’ Player (2023) and Most Courageous (2024) honours.

For Busch, 2025 has been her most promising campaign to date after being named as an Emerging Leader heading into the season.
 
Up on career averages in virtually every statistical category, the 21-year-old is going at close to 14 disposals and four tackles per game this year, showing a willingness to get involved on the attack even from the depths of defence.
 
Busch is lauded by the Dons for her endurance and ability to constantly buy in to the team defence – most notably on show in a career-best 19-disposal effort against the Lions in defeat in Round 10. 

‘That’s how we get better’: Busch pushing for Dons to keep fighting against top sides

For veteran Alexander, she has firmly established herself as one of Essendon’s most reliable and impactful players. 

First drafted by Collingwood in 2018 before joining the Dons in 2022, she has continued to expand her versatility and leadership, emerging as a cultural driver and a role model for the side. 

Despite a challenging 2025 campaign for the wider team, Alexander delivered one of her most influential seasons of her career, slotting eight goals which also included a memorable match winner against the Eagles in round two. 

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AFLW Rd 12 | Quick Alexander snap skids all the way as Swans get nervous

Sophie Alexander gathers cleanly and her curling shot bounces the journey as Sydney's finals hopes slowly dwindle.

 AFLW List and Recruiting Manager Josh Moore is excited for the three players and is eager to see what they continue to the program both on and off field in 2026. 

“Having Alex and Mia and re-sign gives our defence a big boost next year, and Sophie will continue to bring her consistency and flair up forward which we love,” Moore said. 
 
“In the case of an emerging talent in Mia and two experienced heads in Sophie and Alex, there’s a real blend of calmness and leadership - those traits have been really apparent in their time with the Club, but this season in particular.
 
“We’ve seen career-best form out across all three players on-field and they’ve continued to set an example as great club people off the field. We’re really excited for them to continue their good work with us next year.”