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ESSENDON has received a much-needed boost, with midfielder Ben Howlett recommitting to the club for another two years.
Howlett came out of contract at the end of this season and attracted interest from opposition clubs including Carlton and both West Australian teams.
On Thursday night, the Dons confirmed Howett, 25, agreed to terms on a new deal tying him to the club to the end of 2016.
“We have a really strong, close knit playing list at Essendon and we have the belief that we can play some incredibly exciting football. I love my teammates and I was keen to play under James Hird so that really motivated me to re-sign,” Howlett told the club’s website.
“Now, with my contract out of the way, I’m looking forward to focusing on football and getting back into training with the boys during the pre-season. I think we’re all excited to work really hard over the summer.”
It is welcome news for the Bombers in an off-season where contracted ruckman Patrick Ryder and forward Jason Winderlich have sought to leave Tullamarine and join rival clubs.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of Essendon coach Hird had clouded Howlett's decision on his future, with Hird believed to be a major supporter of the former Peel Thunder player.
However, talks this week finally convinced Howlett his future lies at Essendon.
Howlett joined the Bombers in the rookie draft at the end of 2009 and has since played 97 games.
This year, he played 21 games, averaging 15.4 possessions and 6.2 tackles.
Ryder is hoping to join Port Adelaide before the trade period ends next Thursday, but has warned Essendon he is prepared to take his case to the AFL Grievance Tribunal if the Bombers do not agree to a trade with the Power.
The ruckman would argue before the Tribunal that he is entitled to join the Power as a delisted free agent on the basis the Bombers breached their contractual duty of care with their 2011-2012 supplements program that has seen ASADA issue Ryder with a show cause notice.
Winderlich has satisfied a trigger clause to play on at Essendon in 2015, but is hoping to join Richmond.
Winderlich, who turns 30 on Friday, has not been served with a show cause notice – he did not take part in the supplements program – but it is understood he needs a fresh start after the drawn-out supplements saga.
