Essendon’s Sam Durham signs four-year deal after joining club as a rookie

Sam Durham made it to the AFL the long and hard way, but the former rookie pick-up has been rewarded for his massive impact at Essendon.

Sam Durham has turned a mid-season draft pick into a long-term contract after signing a “surreal” four-year deal at Essendon.

The 22-year-old, who joined the Bombers in 2021 as a mid-season rookie, has locked himself in until the end of 2028, capping a stunning rise that he said was “massive” for his family.

Durham said it was particularly special for his mum who “drove me across the countryside” in pursuit of his AFL dream.

“It’s pretty surreal to sign with this great club. Coming from getting picked up on the rookie list to signing a two-year deal and now a four-year deal, it’s massive, not only for me but also for my family,” Durham said.

“It was very special to call Mum up and give her the good news. I do this not only to play footy but to make my family and Mum proud.

“She drove me across the countryside for a good part of 18 years, so it’s awesome to get this new deal, especially for Mum.”

Durham, who has played 51 games since his debut in round 18, 2021, joins a long list of young Bombers to re-sign, including star midfielder Darcy Parish, giving long-term stability for coach Brad Scott.

“It’s good to be part of the core group going forward, with the likes of Darcy (Parish), ‘Junior’ (Zach Merrett), Mason (Redman), and ‘Rids’ (Jordan Ridley) all committing long term. We now know we will play a lot of footy together and can build a strong foundation for the team,” Durham said.

“Brad has been huge for me in giving me confidence in my game. Brad and ‘Gia’ (Daniel Giansiracusa) are strong in pushing me to do more for the team, so they’ve both been massive for my development and confidence.”

From a mid-season rookie to a four-year deal.

The hard work's paid off for Duz ❤️

— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) March 25, 2024

Durham has become a key cog at the Bombers and kicked the matchwinning goal just before the siren to give Essendon a one-point victory over Richmond in the 2023 Dreamtime clash.

“Sam is a highly regarded and much-loved member of our playing group who has taken his football to the next level since being drafted as a rookie in 2021,” Essendon football boss Daniel McPherson said.

“Sam is continuously challenged to keep growing his game, demonstrated through his time spent as an inside midfielder in the early stages of this season. He is dedicated to becoming the best footballer he can, and this deal is a fantastic reward for all his hard work over the past few years.

“At only 22 years old, Sam has become a very important player for us, and we’re excited about the player he can become for our footy club over the next four years and beyond.”

Originally published as Essendon’s Sam Durham signs four-year deal after joining club as a rookie