Lachlan Blakiston Commits Future to Essendon with Two-Year Deal
In a significant boost for the Essendon Football Club, former East Fremantle ruckman Lachlan Blakiston has officially signed a two-year contract extension, securing his place with the Bombers until at least the end of the 2028 AFL season. This announcement comes as a pre-season victory for the 27-year-old, who has quickly made his mark since joining the team.
Rapid Rise from WAFL to AFL Stardom
Blakiston's journey to the AFL has been nothing short of remarkable. After being selected in the 2025 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, he made his debut in Round 14 at the iconic MCG against Geelong. Throughout the remainder of the season, he showcased his versatility by playing 11 games as a key defender, demonstrating his adaptability and skill on the field.
Standing at an imposing 203cm, Blakiston is now poised to take on a more prominent role in the ruck position following the departure of Sam Draper to Brisbane. This shift is expected to leverage his height and athleticism, providing Essendon with a dynamic option around the ball.
Impressive Pre-Season Performance
During the Bombers' AAMI Community Series clash with St Kilda, Blakiston delivered a standout performance that highlighted his potential. He recorded 16 disposals and 21 hit-outs, effectively competing against Saints' stars Tom De Koning and Rowan Marshall. This display underscored his readiness to step up and contribute significantly in the upcoming season.
Expressing his gratitude, Blakiston shared his excitement about the contract extension. "I'm absolutely wrapped to get the opportunity to continue to stay at the Club," he said. "I've loved my time here, so to get this contract extension is so exciting, and it really is a dream come true. I still can't believe it. This time last year, I couldn't imagine now being here at Essendon, so I'm just super grateful to have the opportunity to continue to represent the Club."
Endorsement from Club Management
Essendon's General Manager of List and Recruiting, Matt Rosa, who previously worked for Peel Thunder and faced Blakiston in the WAFL, praised the ruckman's impact. "Lachie has come in and made a really strong impression in a short period of time," Rosa stated. "He showed great versatility for us last year, and we loved the way he has embraced the opportunity to play in defence after being identified as an emerging ruckman in the WAFL. We think Lachie has plenty of growth in his game, so we are very excited to secure him for the next couple of years and look forward to seeing what he can produce."
This contract extension not only rewards Blakiston's hard work but also signals Essendon's confidence in his ability to evolve and excel in the AFL. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he aims to build on his promising start and help drive the Bombers' success in the seasons ahead.
