ESSENDON has re-signed young defender Jason Ashby for a further two years. 

Ashby, who made his debut in round three this year, will remain at the Bombers until at least the end of the 2016 season. 

Drafted with pick No.34 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft, the 20-year-old is hopeful of breaking back into the senior side and adding to his five career games. 

"It was a really easy decision, we have a great bunch of guys at the club and I couldn't be happier," Ashby said. 

"I'm in a rush to break back in to the senior side and play some more senior games this season, but just to be here for another two years is exciting and hopefully we have some team success in the near future."


Coach Mark Thompson said Ashby is on the right track to becoming a regular member of the senior side. 

"Jase put in some really good training over the pre-season and was rewarded for the hard work with his debut earlier this year," he said.

"He is young and he knows he has elements of his game he has to continue to work on. We've had that discussion with Jase and I know he'll take that advice on board, apply it, and if he does it right, there's no reason he can't play regular senior football."