KYLE Langford will be at Essendon until at least the end of 2020 after signing a new two-year contract.
The midfielder was due to fall out of contract at the end of this season but the Bombers announced his new deal on Wednesday.
Langford has been made to earn his place in Essendon's side but has shown great improvement this season since making it back into the senior line-up.
The 21-year-old has averaged 19 disposals in his 11 games this year and has played 42 games since arriving at the club as a first-round pick in 2014.
"I was always hoping to remain a Bomber – I was just trying to play the best footy I could play, prove myself as a player both on and off the field, and I knew the rest would take care of itself," he said.
"Over the next two years my focus is on continuous improvement, I still have a lot to work on to become a consistent AFL midfielder but I am enjoying the challenge."
Langford was sent back to the VFL last year to improve his midfield craft after starting his career as a half-forward, and coach John Worsfold praised him for his efforts.
"Kyle is now playing consistent AFL football and has demonstrated that he has the necessary skill set to be an outstanding long-term player for the club," he said.
"His continuous hard work and attitude both on and off the field makes him a highly respected player at the club and we are excited to see what he can achieve here."