ESSENDON youngster Aaron Francis is about to finish his first AFL season but the club has already started talks to extend his stay at the Bombers.

AFL.com.au understands the club has opened discussions for a contract extension for the 19-year-old, who was the No.6 pick at last year's NAB AFL Draft.

The talks are in their initial stages but are likely to progress after the season for the South Australian, who is one of the club's most exciting prospects. His standard first contract – a two-year deal – expires at the end of 2017.  

After an interrupted first season with injury, Francis made his senior debut against the Brisbane Lions in round 18, when he took seven marks and impressed with 16 disposals.

He played two more games in the Bombers' side but showed he needs to further build his fitness in the pre-season, and he has missed the past two weeks with a calf injury.

Essendon is keen to lock away its young talent, with AFL.com.au reporting in June the club had begun negotiations on a contract extension for fellow first-year player Darcy Parish.

It has already re-signed one player from its 2015 draft intake, second-round pick Mason Redman, to a two-year contract extension through to the end of 2019.

The Bombers are also waiting to sign second-year forward Jayden Laverde, who remains out of contract at the end of this year as rivals ramp up their interest in the 20-year-old.

Essendon enters an interesting period in its list management process this off-season without the cloud of the supplements scandal hanging over its moves.

The Dons have re-signed key pair Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker to new lucrative deals to return once their doping bans end, while captain-in-waiting Dyson Heppell is also tied to the club on a long-term contract.

Jobe Watson, Ben Howlett and Tayte Pears are the three remaining suspended Bombers yet to confirm their plans for next season, after Michael Hibberd announced on the weekend he would be seeking a trade.