JACKSON Merrett has followed younger brother Zach by signing a new deal with Essendon.

Just weeks after Zach recommitted to the club for another three seasons beyond this year, Jackson has inked a two-year contract extension.

The deal will see the 22-year-old tied to the Bombers through to the end of the 2017 season. Merrett has played four games this season for a career tally of 32 since making his debut in 2012.

"It's very exciting to be remaining at the club for another two years," Merrett told the club's website. 

"We're putting in the hard yards so as long as we can keep that up I'm sure we can go somewhere exciting in the future."

Merrett has been used as a half-forward in recent weeks, where he can impact the game with his pace and smarts. He has held his spot in the past month after breaking into the senior team following solid VFL form.

"My role up in the forward line is to try to apply as much pressure as possible and to try to lock the ball in our forward half and give us an opportunity to score," Merrett said. 

"It's just getting to as many contests and laying as many tackles as you can. It's not so much how many kicks you can get." 

Dyson Heppell and Travis Colyer are other Bombers to have re-signed this year, but Jake Carlisle, ruckman Tom Bellchambers, midfielder Brent Stanton and half-back Courtenay Dempsey are among those yet to commit beyond 2015.