Archie Perkins has extended his contract with Essendon for two more years, as the club’s young midfield talent looks to drive the Bombers toward success. Originally set to become a free agent at the end of this year, the 22-year-old Perkins has agreed to stay with the team through at least the end of 2026. The No. 9 pick from the 2020 draft expressed his satisfaction with the new deal.
“Week to week you’re not thinking about it too much, you’re solely focused on your performance and how you’re going but it is nice to have that certainty. I was never going anywhere else but I’m very happy to be secured for another couple of years with the team,” Perkins told AFL.com.au on Monday.
Perkins is part of a promising trio of young Essendon midfielders, including Sam Durham and Jye Caldwell, who have seen increased playing time under coach Brad Scott. Durham signed a four-year extension in March, and Caldwell is currently negotiating a new contract. Perkins praised the group’s progress and the balance of young and experienced players.
“We’re really good mates as well so it’s good to play a lot of footy around them. I’ve been very impressed and proud of the way they’ve gone about their footy this year so hoping they can keep it up, but it’s good having Zach (Merrett) there as well with his experience and he’s so consistent so he’s such a good role model for us. The way he goes about his footy and us developing underneath that is a nice blend we’ve got going,” he said.
Perkins has played 71 games, making him the second most experienced player from the 2020 draft class, behind only Sydney’s Errol Gulden. His standout performance in the season opener against Hawthorn showcased his explosive ability and goal sense, despite a hamstring injury in round four disrupting his start to the season. He has since returned to action and is focused on his ongoing development.
“I had the little blip with the injury for a month so that was a bit frustrating but there’s been a lot of new learnings for me this year and to play a bit more midfield and find out where I’m at and where I need to improve and progress. Those things are becoming more clear to me each week but I’m very excited,” he said.
“There’s a lot of improvement and growth left in me and I feel I’m becoming more consistent. I’m still probably not as consistent as I’d like to be across games but it’s improving so I’m pretty pleased with how things have gone so far this year but also have an eye to the next half of the year and what I want to do and the improvements I want to make.
“I think there’s lots of good football in me that is a bit untapped and I haven’t achieved yet, but I’m getting closer all the time and I’m more clear on what I need to do to get there.”
With the Bombers currently sitting second on the ladder, Perkins’ return and the developing chemistry within the team are pivotal as they aim to continue their strong form through the rest of the season.
