MELBOURNE'S No.2 draft pick Christian Petracca is set to sign a two-year contract extension, which will see him tied to the Demons to the end of 2018.
It is understood the 19-year-old will soon ink the new deal, despite missing his debut season after undergoing a knee reconstruction.
The midfielder was the Demons' first pick at last year's NAB AFL Draft after starring throughout his under-18 season in 2014.
He was in the frame for a round one debut this year after impressing throughout the pre-season but had his campaign cut short when his knee buckled at a training session in February.
Scans confirmed a torn anterior cruciate ligament and he underwent season-ending surgery three months ago.
His impending commitment follows that of No.3 pick Angus Brayshaw, who has also signed a two-year contract extension through to the end of 2018.
Christian Salem and Jay Kennedy-Harris have also recently extended their stays at the club with new deals as the Demons continue to lock away their prized young talent.
Petracca was named the Larke medallist last year as the standout player of the under-18 championships after averaging 25 disposals across five games for Vic Metro.
He also starred for the Eastern Ranges in the TAC Cup, where he again averaged 25 disposals and kicked 19 goals in nine games.
His explosiveness and power in the midfield and strength near goal made him an excellent choice for the Demons with their first pick at the draft.
Coach Paul Roos has said although Petracca’s recovery from injury could see him return by the end of the season, the club will take no risks with his long-term future and will focus on having him fit for 2016.
