Essendon have announced Travis Colyer will return to the Bombers next season, joining Heath Hocking as the second of 12 banned players to recommit to the AFL club for 2017.
The fast and skilful midfielder has signed a new deal to remain at the club until the end of 2019.
The 24 year-old said he was excited to continue his career at Essendon.
“You want to be part of a successful team, a successful club. Working towards achieving success as a team is the ultimate reason you play football, and it’s the ultimate reason I wanted to come back to the football club,” Colyer said.
“We’re in a position where we have such an exciting list, I can see the improvement in the young players and that success isn’t too far away.
“This contract will take me to 10 years at the Essendon Football Club. The club means so much to me and is such an important part of my life,” Colyer said.
Chief executive Xavier Campbell said Colyer’s decision to return was another important milestone for the club.
“To have Heath and now Travis recommit to the club is fantastic news.
“Trav is a wonderful young leader and, to have him recommit to the club for the next three years, is testament to the direction and culture (coach) John Worsfold is building amongst our playing group.
“We are working hard to establish a football program that can achieve sustained success and Trav will play an important role in helping us reach that vision,” Campbell said.
List and recruiting manager Adrian Dodoro said the club remained committed to retaining all 12 players serving bans this season in the wake of the supplements saga.
“Trav is such a valuable player for our club, from a talent and leadership perspective, and we are really pleased he will be back in the red and black next season.
“At 24 years of age, Trav is clearly coming into his prime as an AFL player, and he will add another dimension to our talented young midfield.
“We’ve said all along, the club is committed to retaining all 12 players. We are in constant dialogue with their management and, despite reports, these discussions are progressing well,” Dodoro said.
