Archie Perkins insists his long-term future lies at Essendon as he attempts to help steer the Bombers out of the doldrums and up the AFL ladder.
Former No.9 draft pick Perkins, 21, is one of a plethora of Essendon players who will be out of contract at season's end.
"(The contract) will sort itself out as the year plays on but I'm super-happy here at Essendon and I'm really excited. I have a lot of belief in the group we've got," Perkins said.
"(I'm) really keen to stay on here long term.
"To be able to be a big part in seeing the team rise up the ladder, start to perform really consistently and go deep into finals - I'd be super-proud to be a part of something like that.
"I don't really want to be thinking about that too much - just focusing on the day to day and what I can do to help that happen, which is to rock up and train well each day I'm here and try to perform well each game."
Perkins, who kicked 43 goals in his first 62 games, is not yet settled in either the midfield or forward line for Essendon.
"Being around the ball more has always been a goal of mine," he said.
"The ability to impact in both areas of the ground is a strength of mine, and my versatility, so (I'm expecting) more of the same.
"With the pre-season I've had, and the confidence I've got in my game, no matter where I play on the ground I'll be able to have a big impact.
"Four years in now, I've got a pretty good handle on how to play both positions, so being able to adjust and move between the two should come a lot easier to me this year."
Perkins was hopeful fellow top-10 picks Zach Reid and Nik Cox could show their wares more in 2024 after injury-affected starts to their careers.
"Especially Reidy. He's had a horrible run so far, and to finally see him out on the track pretty much every session and doing his thing (is great)," Perkins said.
"He's a super-talented player. I'm very excited to see what he can do this year, he's going to be almost a new addition to the team."
