MELBOURNE has re-signed five players, including key forward Jack Watts, who has committed for the next three seasons.
Matthew Bate, Lynden Dunn, Rohan Bail and James Strauss will remain with the club until at least the end of 2012.
General manager of list management Tim Harrington said the club was delighted to secure the services of the five Demons.
“It’s great that Jack has shown his commitment to the Melbourne Football Club - we know he will be an integral part of our team and club in the future,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“It’s pleasing to re-sign Matthew Bate and Lynden Dunn, who are two players coming into the primes of their career. They have played 83 and 70 games respectively, so they’re experience around the young group will be important for our development.
“We are also happy that Rohan Bail and James Strauss have signed for the next two seasons. Both made their senior AFL debuts this year and made a real impression.”
Watts was the first player selected in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft and made his debut against Collingwood in round 11, 2009.
After playing three matches last year, he made 15 appearances in 2010.
Still only 19 years old, Watts looms as one of Melbourne’s most integral players long-term.
Bate came to the club having won the Morrish Medal - the Brownlow Medal equivalent in the TAC Cup - in 2004. He was drafted later that season at No.13 in the NAB AFL Draft.
In 2006, the year he made his debut, he gained a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.
He has claimed two top-four best and fairest finishes - coming third in 2007 and fourth in 2009 - and has played 83 matches.
Dunn, 23, took his game to another level in 2010, playing 18 matches and kicking 26 goals.
He has played 70 matches since being drafted at No.15 in the 2004 NAB AFL Draft.
Bail played nine games this year after playing one match in his debut season last year.
The dasher was claimed at No.64 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft.
Strauss made his debut this year, playing the opening two rounds of the season.
He was selected at No.19 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft.
