Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce Brandon Zerk-Thatcher has put pen to paper on a new contract, signing with the Bombers for a further two years.

The new deal will see Zerk-Thatcher don the sash until at least the end of 2021.

The young defender is yet to make his senior debut for the club but said the thought of playing in the red and black provided him with great motivation ahead of the 2019 season.

“I’m excited to sign with Essendon for an additional two years and appreciate the investment the club is making in me,” Zerk-Thatcher said.

“This season I want to continue to build my strength and fitness to ensure I’m in the best position for senior selection, where I can play my role for the side.”

The 20-year-old was recruited by the club with pick 66 in the 2017 national draft.

General manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said Zerk-Thatcher had settled in seamlessly at the Bombers.

“Brandon is a courageous key defender that enjoyed a solid debut year in the VFL competition under the guidance of Dan Jordan,” Dodoro said.

“He is terrific young man that has fitted in strongly among the playing group and our club culture.

“We are confident that Brandon will develop into a long-term key defender for the Club and we look forward to seeing what he can achieve over the next three years as he builds towards a senior debut.”

To view Zerk-Thatcher’s player profile, click here.

This news is brought to you by Orchard HRO, the club's Official Recruitment and List Management Partner.

CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE THE WEEKLY BOMBER BULLETIN