A TRIO of young Essendon players have signed new two-year contracts, with injured forward Josh Begley, midfielder Kobe Mutch and classy backman Jordan Ridley committing to the club until the end of 2020.
They were all drafted in 2016: Ridley at No.22, Begley at No.31 and Mutch at No.42.
Begley played the first five games of the season before tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee on Anzac Day. He will miss the rest of the year.
"I'm excited to re-sign with the club and extremely grateful for the opportunity 'Woosha' (coach John Worsfold) gave me to continue my development this season," Begley said.
"The knee injury is frustrating but I am determined to work hard and earn my spot back in the side. We're a young group but excited about what we can achieve together in the years to come."
Mutch has earned respect for his work ethic and he made his debut in the loss to Melbourne last Sunday, collecting 20 disposals.
"To debut on the weekend was a dream come true. My focus is to continue to work hard on developing my game, playing my role for the team and hopefully earning the right to play regular senior football," Mutch said.
Meanwhile, Ridley is determined to take to the field for his first AFL game.
"I'm thankful to Essendon for giving me the opportunity to pursue my dreams of playing senior football," Ridley said.
"Watching Josh and Kobe make their debuts certainly motivates me and I've just got to focus on working hard, playing the role the coaches ask of me and hopefully I get my opportunity this season."
