SUSPENDED Essendon ruckman Tom Bellchambers has added his name to list of players to have recommitted to the club, agreeing to a one-year contract extension with the club.
The 26-year-old's decision to return to the club after his 12-month WADA ban ends follows that of fellow suspended players Cale Hooker, David Myers, Travis Colyer and heath Hocking, while Dyson Heppell has also chosen to return to the Bombers in 2017.
Bellchambers was already signed to the Bombers through to the end of 2017, but his one-year extension will take him through to the end of 2018.
It leaves captain Jobe Watson, key defender Jobe Watson, Michael Hibberd, Ben Howlett, Brent Stanton and Tayte Pears as the banned Bombers yet to confirm their intentions for next year.
"The time away from the football club has allowed me to freshen up physically and mentally, Bellchambers said on the club's website.
"Missing this season and a big chunk of 2015 through injury makes me want come back fitter and stronger in 2017.
"I really appreciate all that Essendon has done for me over my career, they gave me the chance to pursue my dream of playing AFL and I'm looking forward to repaying the faith they've shown me.
"I feel I still have plenty of good footy left in me, I'm excited about our future under John Worsfold and the opportunity to build a really strong ruck combination with Matthew Leuenberger is very exciting."
The Bombers announced Bellchambers' re-signing just hours after young forward Kyle Langford also put pen to paper on a new two-year deal.
The 19-year-old was due to fall out of contract at the end of this season, but his new deal has tied him to the Bombers until the end of 2018.
Langford, who joined the club with pick No.17 at the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, played eight games for the Bombers in his debut season last year.
He has played all bar one this year (when he was rested against the Sydney Swans) and also been used as an inside midfielder, where his size and athleticism has impressed.
"Kyle is working extremely hard on improving his game, he's an unbelievable competitor and we're really pleased he wants to be a part of our football club," said coach John Worsfold.
"We've taken Kyle out of his comfort zone and played him in a variety of roles this season, he's embraced that challenge and we believe with his attitude, talent and drive he's going to play a big role in the future of this football team."
His signature was important for the club, given he is one of a handful of first-round picks the Bombers are hoping to build around in coming seasons.
But Langford's fellow 2014 draftee, Jayden Laverde, remains unsigned and is likely to focus on returning from injury before kickstarting contract talks.
Langford's recommitment means the Bombers have 17 players who are uncontracted beyond this year, with a further seven of the banned players yet to recommit to returning once their suspensions end at the season.
