PATRICK Ambrose's breakout season in Essendon's forward line has been rewarded with a two-year contract extension.
AFL.com.au understands the 22-year-old has agreed to terms on a new deal that ties him to the Bombers to the end of the 2016 season on the senior list.
He was due to come out of contract at the end of this season.
It is a fillip for Ambrose, who was elevated off the rookie list before the start of the season and made his AFL debut in round one against North Melbourne.
He kicked three goals the following week against Hawthorn before missing six weeks with a quad strain.
After recovering he made his way back into Essendon's line-up and has only missed one game since, which was due to a jaw fracture.
Ambrose, whose athleticism and fierce attack on the ball have added some presence to the club's forward line, has kicked 12 goals in 15 games.
He has largely taken on the hard-leading half-forward role vacated by Stewart Crameri, who left the Bombers for the Western Bulldogs last year.
As a mature recruit, Ambrose won a spot with the club after impressing for its VFL side last year, and was selected at the 2013 NAB AFL Rookie Draft.
Ambrose's commitment means the Bombers have secured the majority of their list heading into October's trade and free agency period.
Midfielder Ben Howlett and impressive youngster Marty Gleeson are among the handful of senior-listed players at the club who remain out of contract.
Veteran defender Dustin Fletcher will decide at the end of the season whether he will play on in 2015.
