MELBOURNE has defender Josh Wagner has been promoted to the senior list and has signed a two-year contract extension.
The 22-year-old played 14 matches in his first season after being selected with the sixth pick in last year's NAB AFL Rookie Draft.
The Demons will have just two live selections – with picks 47 and 69 – at next month's national draft providing they don't make any more changes to their list on Monday.
Wagner, whose older brother Corey plays for North Melbourne, made a strong impression for the Demons as a rebounding defender.
He made his AFL debut for the Demons in their five-point loss to the Kangaroos in round three at Blundstone Arena.
Wagner enjoyed a solid first season, averaging 17.6 possessions, 3.6 tackles and 3.4 marks per game.
The highlight was in round seven when he had a season-high 25 disposals to go with five tackles in a 73-point win against Gold Coast.
Wagner played for Aspley in the NEAFL before the medium-sized defender attracted the interest of the Demons.
The retention of Wagner continues a successful and busy off-season for the Demons.
They secured Hawthorn champion Jordan Lewis on a three-year deal during the NAB AFL Trade Period, along with Essendon defender Michael Hibberd and Pat McKenna from Greater Western Sydney.
