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COLIN Garland has rejected free agency and committed to Melbourne until the end of the 2018 season.
Garland, a restricted free agent, remained unsigned throughout the 2015 season, leading to speculation he could look elsewhere in 2016.
But Garland, who is an integral member of the Demons' backline, has signed a new three-year deal to stay at Melbourne.
"Col has become a stable member of our defence over the past few years,” football manager Josh Mahoney told the club's website.
"His performance on the field and the mentoring role he plays with our young defenders has become very important.
"We look forward to him continuing to improve as a player and also helping our young defenders even further."
Garland said he was adamant he didn't want to field any other offers.
"I told my manager I didn't want to speak to any other club, but it's funny after seeing one of my great mates [James Frawley] win a premiership on the weekend, because you have to be envious of success," he said.
"I was watching the game and people said, 'Wouldn't you love success?' and I said, 'It wouldn't mean anything to me unless it was with Melbourne'.
"I'm so happy for guys who go on and win a premiership, but I truly believe that we can go on and make finals next year. So in the end, I just wanted to be a Melbourne player.
"My main consideration was that I had one more year to get life membership (at Melbourne) and I see a great future for the club," he said.
"Whether the ultimate success comes while I'm here at the club or whether I just miss out and I'm part of building something – I'm happy being a part of it."
Garland said he waited until the end of the season to sign his contract because he wanted to concentrate on bouncing back from an injury-affected 2014 campaign.
"I just didn't want to play anywhere else. I knew at 27 [years old] and with a three-year deal, I’m all in now.
"I'll do everything I can over the next three or four years to help bring the young guys on under Roosy (Paul Roos) and then Simon Goodwin, " he said.
Garland, who was drafted at selection No.46 in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft, has played 135 matches for Melbourne since making his AFL debut in round five, 2007 against the Sydney Swans at the SCG.
The defender also finished runner-up to Nathan Jones in the 2013 club best and fairest award.
