MELBOURNE speedster James Harmes will be a Demon for the next five years after signing a long-term contract extension.
The 24-year-old midfielder was already contracted for next season, but his new deal add four more years and makes him a Demon until the end of 2024.
Harmes celebrates a goal against Hawthorn in round seven. Picture: AFL Photos
After a third-place finish in Melbourne's best and fairest in 2018, Harmes had a slow start to 2019 but stormed home to place fourth in this year's count.
He averaged 24 disposals and four clearances in 2019, playing all 22 games.
"It took a little while, but we got there in the end. Both parties are happy," Harmes told the Melbourne website.
"I've got a lot of faith in 'Goody' (coach Simon Goodwin) and my teammates around me, so it was a pretty easy decision for me.
"I grew up a Melbourne supporter too, so to sign a long-term deal – I'm just really excited and can't wait to get stuck into the year."
View this post on InstagramCongratulations to big @maxygawn and @claytonoliver13 on taking out this years B&F! Bring on 2020 ❤️
After a poor season from the Demons, finishing second-last after a preliminary final in 2018, Harmes said new performance manager Darren Burgess had changed the off-season training program.
"The running has been awesome. All the boys have been getting together and doing a lot of the sessions together," Harmes said.
"We've just attacked it as hard as we can, and we just want to come back in the best nick [possible].
"It was obviously a tough year this year, but I think with a big summer from the boys, we will bounce back and be a really strong club for the next few years."
Melbourne general manager of football Josh Mahoney said the former rookie's improvement had been impressive.
"We've seen significant development from [Harmes], particularly over the past two seasons, which is an example of his hard work ethic," Mahoney said.
"James has become an integral part of the team and gives us great versatility in the number of roles he can play.
"We're looking forward to him building on this in the years to come."
Five-year deals signed in the past three seasons
Rory Sloane (Adel)
Lachie Neale (Bris)
Charlie Curnow (Carl, contract extension)
Taylor Adams (Coll)
Dylan Shiel (Ess)
Nat Fyfe (Frem)
Mark Blicavs (Geel)
Jack Bowes, Brandon Ellis, David Swallow, Jarrod Witts (GC)
Toby Greene, Nick Haynes (GWS)
Chad Wingard (Haw)
James Harmes (contract extension), Steven May (Melb)
Jared Polec (NM)
Scott Lycett (PA)
Tom Lynch, Dustin Martin (Richmond)
Bradley Hill, Dougal Howard (St Kilda)
Jack Darling, Tim Kelly, Andrew Gaff, Jeremy McGovern, Elliot Yeo (West Coast)
Lachie Hunter, Aaron Naughton (WB)
