OUT-OF-CONTRACT midfielder Colin Sylvia says he "definitely" wants to stay at Melbourne beyond 2011 and repay the club for its faith and patience.

Sylvia and his management are in contract negotiations with Melbourne, although an agreement has yet to be reached.

The 25-year-old was drafted at pick No. 3 by the Demons back in 2003 and despite being regarded as one of their more talented players, has disappointed the club throughout his career with some of his off-field antics.

Sylvia now says he wants to repay the club for the faith it has shown in him over the past eight seasons.

"Yeah, I definitely wanted to stay with the Dees," Sylvia told afl.com.au.

"We've been in talks and that will all take care of itself. They've been very good to me and showed a lot of faith and patience with me.

Like recently re-signed teammate Jack Trengove, Sylvia said he saw a bright future ahead for the club, and he wanted to be a part of it.

"We've got a really young list with really good talent," Sylvia said.

"It's obviously has been a really tough month, losing the coach, but the difference is, this time, we've got a really good playing list and a lot of talent.

"Unfortunately talent only gets you so far and you've got to be mentally tough and physically get a bit stronger to set ourselves up for a big year next year."

After his performance on Sunday, Melbourne would be keen to secure the services of Sylvia for the next few years.

The midfielder had 29 disposals, eight inside 50s and kicked a career-high five goals.

His outstanding performance in a losing side on Sunday, was a statement from the midfielder who was dropped two weeks ago after Melbourne's demoralising 186-point loss to Geelong which cost Dean Bailey his job as coach.

"It was a big challenge for me personally [getting dropped]," Sylvia said.

"It hit me pretty hard to be dropped and I probably didn't expect it but something's got to give when you lose by 186-points, doesn't it?

"Probably didn't expect it to be me but it was and hopefully I can look back and really draw something positive from it and maybe look back and think that was the best thing that could have happened to me.

"I had to work on a few areas of my game defensively and probably work on my positioning with a few structures and set ups. I went back to Casey and played my role and did quite a good job of that and got the call up the next week [against West Coast]."