MELBOURNE has re-signed three of its up-and-coming young stars, with Bayley Fritsch, Charlie Spargo and Harrison Petty all committing to contract extensions.
The three youngsters, all of whom were selected in last year's NAB AFL Draft, were already tied to the Demons until the end of 2019 as part of their mandatory draftee contracts, but are now locked in until the end of the 2020 season.
Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said the club was ecstatic to have extended the contracts of Fritsch, Spargo and Petty.
Fritsch, drafted at pick No.31, has played all bar one game in his debut season, averaging 16 disposals and booting nine goals from nine matches.
The high-leaping forward has become an important part of Melbourne's versatile attacking setup after being drafted out of VFL affiliate Casey's team last season.
"Bayley, as a mature-age recruit, has been able to come into our side and play a role immediately in the forward line and on the wing," Mahoney told AFL.com.au.
Spargo has added life and energy as a pressure small forward after making his debut in round six against Essendon.
The youngster had a partially interrupted pre-season following shoulder surgery in June last year, but has impressed since coming into the side.
Spargo, pick No.29, has averaged 13.6 disposals and 2.6 tackles per game, booting six goals from five matches.
"After a late start to pre-season due to shoulder rehab, Charlie has been able to contribute at AFL level as a forward," Mahoney said.
"He has shown the pressure and football smarts that our recruiters saw in him when he was selected with our first pick in the draft."
Petty, a key defender taken with selection No.37, is yet to make his debut but has been a strong performer in the club's VFL team in recent weeks.
The 18-year-old fractured his elbow when tripping on a wire fence prior to the draft and after a period in rehab prior to Christmas was able to display his wares to the coaching staff as the practice matches rolled around.
"Harrison is developing well at Casey as a key defender and shows all the signs of a potential AFL defender in the future," Mahoney said.
All three players shape as important pieces in Melbourne's future and its anticipated return to finals action over the coming years.
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