RE-SIGNED Essendon midfielder Andrew McGrath has given new coach Ben Rutten a ringing endorsement as the Bombers grapple with a list overhaul heading into next season. 

McGrath has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal tying him to the club until 2022.

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Enjoying a breakout season as a pure midfielder, McGrath finished fifth in the Bombers' best and fairest despite missing the last three games with a syndesmosis injury.

His signature comes at a welcome time for the Bombers.

With Adam Saad (Carlton) and Joe Daniher (Brisbane) requesting moves away from Tullamarine and contracted forward Orazio Fantasia considering his future, the Bombers' culture has come into question in recent days.

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However, McGrath has pledged his future to the club that drafted him at No.1 in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft.

"There is real belief amongst the players in the next phase we enter under 'Truck' (Rutten), and there is some great young talent throughout our playing group so our supporters should be excited by this," McGrath said. 

"Our young group combined with our experienced leaders are extremely committed to growth, improvement and success in the coming years. 

 "It's great to be able to put pen to paper on a new deal and I'm thankful to the club for the opportunity and faith they continue to show in me. 

"I am extremely determined to get the best out of myself and this whole playing group in order for us to move forward as a club."

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McGrath's rise is expected to see him elevated to the Bombers' leadership group in 2021.

Teammates Jordan Ridley and Kyle Langford are expected to re-sign in coming days, with others out of contract including free agent Marty Gleeson, Brayden Ham, Andrew Phillips, Jayden Laverde, Will Snelling and Jacob Townsend.