ESSENDON is in talks with Nic Martin on a long-term contract extension as the Bombers move to lock in another of their most important players.
Martin is out of contract at the end of 2027, but AFL.com.au can reveal the Bombers are in discussions on a long-term extension for the 25-year-old.
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Martin is signed until the end of 2027 already, but Essendon and his management are in talks about locking him in to be a Bomber for life and taking him well past Tasmania's access to uncontracted players. Â
Discussions have picked up in recent weeks following the end of Essendon's season.
Martin has not played since round 18, 2025, having suffered an ACL injury late that season. He then had a setback at training with his knee last December that saw him have further surgery and be ruled out for the full 2026 season.
The Bombers missed Martin's versatility, smarts, skill and leadership this year as they claimed just their second wooden spoon since 1933.
The West Australian comes out of contract next year, when all uncontracted players are eligible to join Tasmania as a free agent if the Devils land their commitment. The Devils also have that capacity the following year in 2028.
Martin, a member of Essendon's leadership group, is considered a future captain of the club and has been a mainstay for the Bombers since making his debut in round one of the 2022 season, when he kicked five goals from 27 disposals having only been signed weeks earlier as a pre-season supplemental selection period rookie.
The Bombers extended Sam Durham through to the end of 2032 ahead of the season in the club's biggest ever contract, and have recently signed young guns Nate Caddy (to the end of 2031) and Jacob Farrow and Dyson Sharp (to the end of 2030) to new deals.
New coach Mark McVeigh has been front and centre at the club since his appointment late last month, with the Bombers yet to make any delistings as they wait until the end of their VFL finals campaign.
