Archie Perkins has committed to Essendon for an additional two years, joining the club’s emerging group of young midfielders in their effort to bring the Bombers back to success. The 22-year-old, who was set to be out of contract at the end of this year, has been negotiating a two-year deal over recent months, as reported by Gettable.
The deal is now finalized, with the 2020 No.9 draft pick staying with Essendon until at least the end of 2026. Perkins expressed relief at the certainty of his future, stating he was always committed to the team. He is enthusiastic about the direction of the club and the mix of young and experienced players.
Perkins, alongside fellow young midfielders Sam Durham and Jye Caldwell, has seen increased opportunities this season under coach Brad Scott. Durham extended his contract by four years in March, and Caldwell is in discussions for a new deal. Perkins highlighted the strong camaraderie among the young players and the influence of experienced teammate Zach Merrett.
With 71 AFL games under his belt, Perkins is one of the most experienced players from the 2020 draft class. Despite a hamstring injury early in the season, he has returned to play in Essendon’s last five games. Perkins acknowledged his development needs and is focused on improving his consistency and achieving untapped potential in the remainder of the season.
