The shape of the Essendon 2009 playing list continues to come together with Mark McVeigh and Jason Laycock signing new two-year deals.

McVeigh had his best season in 2008 despite playing only 14 games with hamstring and knee injuries hampering his season.

Ruckman Laycock was strongly rumoured to be placed on the trading block after an inconsistent season and with him about to turn 24 and with 24 in November 58 matches since making his debut in 2004, 2009 looms to be his make-or-break year.