ESSENDON has locked away another key player for 2017 with stand-in skipper Brendon Goddard inking a contract extension.

As forecast by AFL.com.au last week, Goddard has signed a one-year deal, but it's believed he will earn the right to play on in 2018 if he meets performances-based criteria.

The 31-year-old, who hadn't missed a game before suffering a groin injury against Geelong in round 20, will return for the final game against Carlton on Saturday.

Goddard crossed to Essendon from St Kilda on a four-year free agency deal at the end of 2012 and has stood up in one of the club's most trying periods, playing 83 of a possible 87 games and assuming the captaincy this year in the absence of suspended Brownlow medallist Jobe Watson.

"As a club we've made great inroads this year, I'm excited about heading into my fifth season at Essendon, and I couldn't see myself playing anywhere else," Goddard said on the club's website.

"Being reunited with our teammates in the coming months and the talent that has emerged this season fills me with great optimism about 2017. We still have plenty of hard work ahead of us but this playing group has incredible drive and ambition.

"Working under Woosha (coach John Worsfold) has been extremely refreshing for the group and me personally. He's done a great job implementing an elite football program which has seen us playing some really exciting and competitive football.

"I'm looking forward to getting back out on the field this weekend. As a playing group we want to finish this season on a positive note and reward our members and supporters for their incredible loyalty."

Nine of the 12 Essendon players serving WADA bans have recommitted to the club, with Michael Hurley and Ben Howlett re-signing in the past week.

With defender Michael Hibberd confirming he wants a trade, only long-time captain Watson and Tayte Pears are yet to announce their intentions for 2017.