Essendon will miss finals again but Jye Caldwell joins impressive list of players linking long-term futures to the club

As Melbourne implodes after missing the finals, the opposite is happening at Essendon with another gun signing on despite the team’s floundering season.

Jye Caldwell has signed a four-year deal. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

A potentially bleak end to what loomed as a promising year for Essendon has a silver lining, with Jye Caldwell signing a four-year deal to join at least seven other key teammates on coach Brad Scott’s journey to success.

Pundits have labelled the Essendon season a failed one having slumped from a position in the top four – and being in the top eight for most of the season – to now missing finals after last week’s after-the-siren loss to the Gold Coast.

But Caldwell, 23, one of his team’s best in recent weeks, sees the light at the end of the tunnel and has joined Kyle Langford, Nic Martin, Sam Durham, Andrew McGrath, Mason Redman, Darcy Parish and Jordan Ridley as key long-term signings for the Bombers.

He’s signed on until the end of 2028.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to play football for Essendon and thank the club for the faith they have put in me to continue my career here. I love this club and extremely excited about what we’re building together,” Caldwell said.

“I have huge confidence in the playing group, our coaching staff and the whole club in the direction we are heading to bring consistent on-field success in the years to come. We will never stop fighting in our quest to bring success to Essendon.

Jye Cald, he's here 'til 2028 😤

— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) August 13, 2024

“It was a no-brainer for me to stay and I’m super excited to keep showing the passion in the red and black.”

Essendon football boss Daniel McPherson said Caldwell, who joined the Bombers from GWS in 2020, was one of the club’s brightest stars.

“Jye has had a breakout season in 2024 and he is quickly becoming one of the most improved midfielders in the competition. His ruthless drive to win and competitiveness to put in his best performance every week is infectious to the playing group, and we’re delighted he’s recommitted to the Bombers,” McPherson said.

“We know his best footy is in front of him and we’re excited about the growth of our midfield group into the future. Jye is a great young leader and we look forward to him continuing to drive a culture of elite preparation and performance.”

The Bombers also extended the stay of mid-season recruit Saad El-Hawli, with the 23-year-old wingman signing a one-year deal for 2025.

El-Hawli, who has just recovered from an ankle injury and is yet to play a senior game, said he was “extremely grateful” for the chance at Essendon.

“Everyone has been so welcoming. I can’t wait to get to work and show the Dons’ faithful what I can do,” he said.

Essendon play premiership fancies Sydney and Brisbane to round out the 2024 season, having racked up 11 wins in Scott’s second year as coach.

Originally published as Essendon will miss finals again but Jye Caldwell joins impressive list of players linking long-term futures to the club