ESSENDON defender Mark Baguley has signed on with the Bombers for two more years after a consistent season in the backline.

The 28-year-old has been in negotiations for a new deal for months, but his extension through to the end of 2017 was confirmed on Wednesday.

It is understood the contract has a built-in trigger, which will activate a third season.

Baguley played every game this season and has missed just three matches in the past three years after being picked up as a mature-age recruit from the VFL.



"I feel like Essendon has provided me with the best opportunity to develop my footy, and I wanted to repay the faith they’ve shown in me," Baguley said.

"I know a number of the boys have mentioned it before, but we're a really tight group and we feel we have the list that can compete with the best and hopefully achieve some finals success in the future.

"As a group we've spoken about the standards we need to set over the pre-season. 



"We've seen a number of our younger players show they can match it at senior level, we'll have a new senior coach and with a bit of luck with injury I'm confident 2016 can be a much better year for the club."

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Baguley's re-signing cuts down the club's list of uncontracted players to fewer than 15, but still includes senior midfielder Brent Stanton, free agent Courtenay Dempsey and ruck/forward Shaun McKernan.

Midfielder Jake Melksham is also out of contract with AFL.com.au reporting this week he has been offered a new two-year deal but is weighing up his future with the Bombers.