Mason Redman and Sam Durham during the AFL match between Essendon and Adelaide, Round 4, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media
Essendon’s midfielder, Sam Durham, has recently extended his contract with the club on a long-term basis. The talented player, who joined Essendon from Richmond’s VFL program during the 2021 Mid-Season Draft, has committed to staying with the Bombers until the end of the 2028 season.
Durham initially joined Essendon after impressing in Richmond’s VFL program and quickly made an impact, making his AFL debut later that year. Since then, he has become a key player under coach Brad Scott, having played 51 games for the club and establishing himself as a reliable presence on the field.
His new contract aligns him with several other Essendon players, including Kyle Langford, Nic Martin, Zach Merrett, Xavier Duursma, Ben McKay, Peter Wright, Mason Redman, and Darcy Parish, all of whom have signed long-term deals until 2027 or beyond.
Expressing his excitement, Durham stated, “Signing with this fantastic club is a surreal moment for me. Going from being picked up as a rookie to signing a two-year deal and now a four-year deal is a significant milestone, not just for me but also for my family.”
“It was a special moment to share the good news with my mum. Playing football is not just about the game for me; it’s also about making my family, especially my mum, proud. She supported me throughout my journey, driving me across the countryside for many years, so getting this new deal is incredibly meaningful, especially for her.
“I’m excited to be part of the core group moving forward, alongside players like Darcy, ‘Junior’ [Merrett], Mason, and ‘Rids’ [Ridley], who have also committed long-term. Knowing that we’ll be playing together for a long time allows us to build a strong foundation for the team and achieve great things together.”
“Brad has played a significant role in boosting my confidence and pushing me to contribute more to the team. Both Brad and ‘Gia’ [Daniel Giansiracusa] have been instrumental in my development and self-belief.
“I want to express my gratitude to the amazing Bombers fans. You’ve been incredibly supportive during my time here, and I look forward to seeing all of you at future games.”
Durham has had a strong start to the 2024 season, posting career-high averages of 17 disposals, 4.5 tackles, 3.5 inside 50s, and eight contested possessions per game.
The Bombers are gearing up to face St Kilda in their third game of the season, with the match scheduled at Marvel Stadium on Saturday at 4:20pm (AEDT).
