Essendon have secured the prized signature of star forward Joe Daniher on a new three-year AFL contract.
The 23-year-old's current deal expired at the end of the season, but he is now tied to the Bombers until the end of the 2020 premiership campaign.
"I'm confident and proud of the direction we're going as a football club," Daniher said.
"We have a great group of players who are working extremely hard to take the club where it needs to be.
"I'm really enjoying my football at Essendon and that is largely due to the relationships that I have formed over the early part of my career and the positive direction we're heading as a group.
"I'm really encouraged by the progress we're making, but very understanding we have a long way to go to become the team we want to become."
Daniher, a father-son pick at No.10 in the 2012 draft, has played 83 games since making his debut in round 11 of the 2013 season.
Last season, with the core of the team decimated by the doping bans associated with the 2012 supplements saga, he kicked 43 goals to finish equal-second in the club's best and fairest count.
Daniher was widely criticised for a wayward return of 1.6 in a loss to Melbourne in round six this season but has kicked 22.4 since to sit equal-third in the Coleman Medal race with 35 goals.
"We are really pleased Joe has re-committed for the next three seasons," coach John Worsfold said.
"He's invested in our vision and as a leader of our club will continue to grow and shape the elite culture we are building.
"Joe is an extremely talented footballer, he has a wonderful work ethic, shows genuine leadership and is a highly respected member of our playing group."
Daniher's father Anthony played 118 games for the Bombers between 1987 and 1994 for a career total of 233, including stints at South Melbourne and Sydney.
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