Young key position defenders, Tayte Pears and Cale Hooker, have been secured by the club until the end of the 2011 season after signing new two-year contracts.

Football operations manager, Paul Hamilton, is pleased with the development of the West Australian talls who have become a significant fixture in Essendon’s defence.

“Tayte has shown a lot this year and received a Rising Star nomination - we’re really happy with his development over the course of the season,” Hamilton said.

“He’s been terrific as a key defender and is an exciting prospect for us moving forward.

“Cale has shown a lot of potential this year in defence and providing support in the ruck.  Together they are fundamental in our defensive half now and in years to come so to sign them up is terrific.""
 
The duo were both taken in the 2007 NAB National Draft with 19-year-old Pears selected with Essendon's second selection (pick No.23 overall) and 20-year-old Hooker with the club's fourth selection (pick No.54 overall).
 
The 191cm Pears has played all 20 games this year after managing five in his debut season while 196cm Hooker has lined up for 13 games in 2009 after played just two last year.
 
Hamilton said the rapid improvement shown by the club's young players - including Paddy Ryder, Courtenay Dempsey, Angus Monfries and Michael Hurley - is exciting for fans. 

“This year has been pleasing; we’re developing a group of players who we want to move forward with.  It’s been proven that if you get a young group and you work with them over a period of time, it brings success,"" he said.

“We think we’ve recruited really well, now we just need to make sure that we’re building and linking together.  We believe we’re laying success for the future of the club.”