ESSENDON has rewarded the development of Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, extending the young defender's contract with the club for a further two years.
The 20-year-old is entering his second season with the Bombers, but now has his future at the club ensured until at least the end of the 2021 season.
Zerk-Thatcher is yet to make his AFL debut, having been recruited to Essendon with the 66th selection in the 2017 NAB AFL Draft.
However, the talented 195cm backman enjoyed an impressive campaign in the VFL last year and has shown encouraging signs across this year's pre-season.
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"Brandon is a courageous key defender that enjoyed a solid debut year in the VFL competition under the guidance of (coach) Dan Jordan," Bombers list manager Adrian Dodoro told the club's website.
"He is terrific young man that has fitted in strongly among the playing group and our club culture.
"We are confident that Brandon will develop into a long-term key defender for the club and we look forward to seeing what he can achieve over the next three years as he builds towards a senior debut."
