Adam Saad during the Bombers' elimination final match against the Eagles last year. Picture: AFL Photos

ESSENDON has moved to lock down important defender Adam Saad to a new deal after two stellar seasons with the club.

Saad joined the Bombers at the end of 2017 from Gold Coast on a three-year deal that expires at the end of this year.

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AFL.com.au understands discussions have commenced for a contract extension, with Essendon's desire to sign the dashing defender to a long-term deal, potentially up to four years.

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Saad's influence has been profound since joining Essendon, with the 25-year-old finishing third in the best and fairest last season following a fourth-placed finish in 2018.

Last week he was Essendon's only player picked in the State of Origin for Bushfire Relief game, representing Victoria as an attacking half-back.

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Saad, who has played 92 games at AFL level, has become one of the Bombers' major weapons with his speed and line-breaking kicking out of defence.

After re-signing captain Dyson Heppell for an extra two years in December, taking him through to at least 2022 as a Bomber, Saad looms as one of the priority re-signings for the Bombers this season as they hope to break their finals hoodoo.

Key forward Joe Daniher will become a free agent at the end of the year after his failed trade request to Sydney last off-season, while 2016 No.1 draft pick Andrew McGrath will also fall out of contract.

McGrath looks set for a strong season in Essendon's midfield, having had a promising pre-season, but talks haven't yet progressed on a contract extension.

Adam Saad in action for Victoria during the State of Origin for Bushfire Relief match. Picture: AFL Photos

Veteran ruckman Tom Bellchambers, half-back Martin Gleeson, midfielder Kyle Langford, goalkicker Shaun McKernan and forwards Jayden Laverde and James Stewart are other experienced Bombers whose deals will expire this year.

Josh Begley, Kobe Mutch, Noah Gown, Irving Mosquito, Jordan Ridley and Will Snelling are among the younger Bombers who are out of contract this year.