KEY DEFENDER Tom McDonald has re-signed with Melbourne for two seasons tying him to the Demons until the end of 2016.

 

The club has also secured young wingman Dom Barry, who made his debut in round 15, for the next two seasons.

 

McDonald's signing was considered important, as he has been critical to the Demons' defence this season.

 

It also means that if Paul Roos decides to exercise his option for a third season as coach, McDonald will next come out of contract when Roos' tenure ends.

 

The 21-year-old has played on the opposition key forwards for the past three seasons and excelled. His decision-making and disposal continues to improve and he is regarded as one of the club's best trainers.

 

Although he was thrown in the deep end playing in defence for an average team he has shown enough resilience to perform well.

 

"[McDonald] has had to learn on the job, which is one of the most beneficial things for a young key back," Rawlings told AFL.com.au in May.

 

The club is still waiting to see whether quality key defender James Frawley decides he wants to remain at the club or exercise his right as a free agent to change clubs.

 

Barry has been an impressive performer since joining the club in 2013 as part of the deal that lured Jesse Hogan to the club. Raised in Alice Springs he moved to Melbourne as a teenager on a tennis scholarship.

 

However he has excelled as a footballer and made his debut in round 15 after 18 months of consistent performances in the VFL.

 

Barry has started as a substitute in both games and was stiff to be denied what might have been a match winning tackle on the Bulldogs' Robert Murphy in his debut.