MELBOURNE's raft of prized re-signings has continued, with young midfielder James Harmes inking a new two-year deal to remain at the club.
Harmes, who was due to come out of contract at the end of this season, has signed on until at least the end of the 2018 season.
The round seven nominee for the 2016 NAB AFL Rising Star award joins Jack Viney, Jayden Hunt, Clayton Oliver and Jake Spencer in committing to the club in the past fortnight.
Match preview: Melbourne v Brisbane Lions
Harmes' tenure at the club was not always secure, with the 20-year-old's career put in jeopardy as he did not understand what it would take for him to make it AFL level early in his journey.
To his credit, Harmes, selected with pick No.2 in the 2014 Rookie Draft, worked accordingly to change the perception those at the club had of him.
After impressing in the latter half of the 2015 season, the promising midfielder was permanently elevated to the club's senior list prior to 2016.
"When it was really close with me staying on the list it really hit home I needed to lift my professionalism by doing the extras and working harder," Harmes told AFL.com.au recently.
"It was really good to have that pressure on me because it's turned me into a better footballer and now I'm reaping the rewards of hard work."
Demons football manager Josh Mahoney said Harmes' new deal was purely the result of hard work.
"James has worked hard over the last few years to get into the position to sign a new two-year deal," Mahoney told the club's website.
"After two years on the rookie list, he was upgraded to the senior list this year and has so far played every game this season.
"James' competitiveness, flexibility of roles and work ethic are all traits that we want to continue to build our team around."
Harmes has played 16 games for the Demons, a club he supported growing up, since making his debut against Essendon in round 15, 2015.
He racked up a career-high 26 disposals against Gold Coast, in Melbourne’s 73-point win at Metricon Stadium, earning him the round seven Rising Star nomination.
Couldn't be happier signing at the Dee's for another 2 years!! Very easy decision
— james harmes (@jamesharmes) May 20, 2016