Essendon’s beacon of hope Nate Caddy has re-committed to the Bombers in a massive show of faith.
At their lowest ebb with one win from 16 games, and amid another coach search for the sixth time in 12 years, the 20-year-old key forward has signed a lucrative extension that ties him to the club until at least the end of 2031.
The deal, announced on Friday night, will likely make Caddy Essendon’s highest paid player when it begins in 2029.
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The former top-10 draft pick was already contracted until 2028 but said it “was an easy decision” to commit long-term.
“I wanted to give back the club and take responsibility for my own career as well,” Caddy told the club’s website.
“I just want to keep learning, improving and play my part in helping Essendon become a successful team.
“I feel like we’re building something pretty exciting. We’ve got a young group that’s always looking to get better, and I’m looking forward to seeing where we can take it over the next few years.
“There are still a few things we’ve got to keep working on, but we are heading in the right direction. You can see everyone buying in and wanting to improve, and that’s exactly what I want to be a part of.
“Our fans have been unbelievable. They keep turning up every week and supporting us, even when things haven’t gone our way. We really appreciate that.
“If I could tell them one thing it would be to just hang tight and keep believing in us. We’ve got a lot of confidence in where this group is heading and we’re all working hard to get there.”
Caddy has kicked 30 goals for the Bombers this year — more than double the next best, which is Archer May with 14 — to go with another club-high 11 goal assists.
With Tasmania’s entry into the competition on the horizon, Caddy’s signature will come as a big boost to Essendon list manager Nate Caddy and his team.
“Nate’s re-signing is a powerful statement of belief in this footy club, and we’re thrilled he’s committed his future to Essendon,” Rosa said.
“Nate has made it clear he wants to be part of leading this club back up the ladder. That ambition is exactly what we want at the core of this list.
“He’s a young leader of this group already. Players are drawn to him, and his commitment to what we’re building has never wavered. Securing him through to 2031 is great for our football club.
“Our members and fans have taken to Nate from day one. He plays the sort of footy that gets people off their seats, and knowing he’ll be doing it in the red and black for years to come is something for every Essendon person to be excited about.”
Essendon have won just one of their past 29 games and are currently undergoing the process of finding former coach Brad Scott’s replacement.
The Bombers face the mammoth task of playing dual reigning premiers the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Sunday.
