The pair’s new extensions will see them stay at Essendon until at least the end of 2010, ensuring consistency in the club’s on-ball stocks while Knights’ young list continues to develop.
McVeigh enjoyed his best season in 2008 despite hamstring and knee injuries keeping him sidelined at different periods.
He only managed 14 matches but is likely to figure prominently in Essendon's best and fairest award is expected to be among the Bombers' best vote-getters in the Brownlow Medal.
Laycock again showed glimpses of his best throughout the season, both in the ruck and up forward.
The former Tasmanian, who will turn 24 in November, has played 58 matches after making his debut in 2004.
In 2008 he played 16 matches, had 154 hit-outs and kicked 14 goals.
The Bombers hope to have most of their squad back up and running by the time they begin their pre-season campaign under the eyes of new fitness coach Stuart Cormack.
Knights said after the club’s disappointing round 22 loss to St Kilda that he planned a getaway with the former West Coast Eagles head fitness coach during which the pair would discuss how the Bombers would treat their 2008/09 summer program.
Essendon suffered more injuries than any other team in the AFL this year and while many of those were unavoidable as a result of collisions Knights said his club’s off-season would be crucial in ensuring his young team was ready for a finals tilt next season.
