Essendon is excited to announce that emerging youngster Zak Johnson has re-signed, taking him through to the end of 2028 with the Club.

The 19-year-old has quietly become one of the potential steals from a 2024 draft class that also saw the Bombers acquire talents such as Isaac Kako, Angus Clarke and rookie Archer Day-Wicks. 

Since coming in at pick No.70, the former Northern Knights Co-Captain has featured in 13 AFL games for the Dons (four coming this season), showing a healthy level of composure off half back in a young outfit and impressing with his precise ball use.

In just his third career game last year, Johnson racked up 29 disposals against an eventual Grand Finalist in the Cats and has enjoyed some promising performances in 2026 – one of those coming in arguably his best game to date against Port Adelaide, where he racked up 26 touches and 500 metres gained. 

“I’m super grateful to extend my time at the Club. I love coming in every day, working with the boys and being part of what we’re building,” Johnson said. 

“I’m keen to continue to grow alongside the team and with the coaches. I want to do everything I can to help drive success. 

“I feel like my best footy is still ahead of me, and I’m hungry to keep improving and learning."

Essendon’s GM – List and Recruiting Matt Rosa praised Johnson’s early impact and his upside going forward. 

“We’re rapt for ‘Johnno’. Amongst a lot of our young talent, we see him as an important player for our future,” Rosa said. 

“Especially for someone still in his teens, you can see that he plays with a lot of poise and exhibits great leadership qualities. He’s worked really hard over the last couple of seasons on his defensive craft as he continues to add strings to his bow.

“Having that early exposure to senior footy has been beneficial for his development and we can’t wait to see him running around in the red and black for the next few seasons.”