BRENT Stanton looks set to be the next key Bomber to re-commit to the club, with the midfielder on the verge of agreeing to a new deal.
On the back of the announcement of Paddy Ryder's four-year deal this week, and Michael Hurley's five-year contract in March, Stanton's signature would mark a successful period for Essendon in securing its talent.
Stanton's contract expires at the end of this year, when he becomes a restricted free agent.
"Brent's got a contract in front of him, I think it's very close," coach James Hird said on Friday.
"He's obviously had a terrific year so far and we want him to continue that way. But we'd also like to get pen to paper and get another one of our really good players signed up."
Stanton will help lead Essendon's charge against Melbourne on Saturday night, and Hird said the Bombers see the game as a chance to get back to playing strong football after a scratchy win over Greater Western Sydney last week.
"Last week there some things in our game we didn't do well enough, and we were a bit disappointed in certain aspects of that game," Hird said.
"So this week has been about changing that and getting back to the style of footy we played two or three weeks ago against Brisbane and West Coast, and for three quarters against Richmond."
Hird said the depth at the club was pushing his players to avoid being satisfied with their good start to the year, with the likes of David Hille, David Myers, Tayte Pears and Scott Gumbleton all playing in the VFL this weekend.
Injured pair Jason Winderlich and Michael Hibberd will also be in line for senior spots when they recover from hamstring injuries.
"Our players are noticing there is a lot of depth in our team at the moment," he said.
"I think the guys understand unless they play well, their spots are in jeopardy. That's a really good position to be in, and it means the complacency isn't there."
Kyle Hardingham was a late withdrawal in last week's win over the Giants with a calf injury, but will play against the Demons after training well this week.
Hird said defender Dyson Heppell would "definitely" play against the Sydney Swans next week after missing two weeks with a knee injury.
Callum Twomey is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey
