Essendon has received some overdue good news with key defender Jordan Ridley committing his future to the club.
The Bombers battled through an injury-riddled six-win season in 2025 and are now engaged in a public fight to retain captain Zach Merrett.
With team morale seemingly in a deep trough, Ridley's reported desire for a move to the Brisbane Lions was only adding to Essendon's pain.
The 26-year-old has had a change of heart, however, telling the club's website he is "fully committed" to the cause.
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Ridley is hoping for some lucky on the injury front, restricted to 19 total games over the past two seasons, as the Bombers attempt to climb up the ladder in 2026.
"This off-season gave me a crucial opportunity to reflect on a challenging few years with injury," he said in a club statement.
"During that time, it became incredibly clear that my future is with Essendon. I'm fully committed to playing my best football here.
"I have immense faith in Brad Scott and the direction he's taking this developing group.
"After meeting with our new high performance team, led by Mat Inness, I’ve been really impressed and confident we have the right strategy in place to overcome my recent injury challenges and get me back to my best.
"My decision was also driven by my great belief in this playing group and the exciting young talent coming through.
"I love this club, I want success for this club, and I'll be doing everything I can to return success to Essendon for everyone."
The 22nd pick in the 2016 AFL Draft, Ridley showed what he could do in the 2020 Covid-impacted season, playing all 17 games and winning Essendon's best and fairest.
He also won the Yiooken Medal in 2024 for his 31 possessions and 12 marks in the Dreamtime at the 'G game against Richmond.
Essendon list manager Matt Rosa labelled Ridley an "integral" member of the team.
"To have Jordan Ridley fully committed to our club is terrific news," he said.
"We've spoken externally numerous times about how integral he is to our side as a player, to our youngsters as a leader and to our people as a clubman, and he's always been fully aware of that.
“It was important to us that Jordan was able to meet with (Inness) to fully understand the important changes we are implementing within our high performance programs.
"We are now looking forward to them building a strong relationship and putting a plan in place to get Jordan back to his best."