MELBOURNE forward Jesse Hogan has signed a two-year contract extension tying him to the Club until the end of the 2019 season.

Hogan was contracted for the 2017 season, but this new deal ensures he will remain in the red and blue for at least the next three seasons.

The deal was finalised on Monday evening with Jesse and his management agreeing to terms on the extension.

General Manager of Football Josh Mahoney said the club was content with Hogan’s contract status from the outset.

“We were always comfortable with the situation regarding Jesse’s contract. We knew it was going to create a lot of external attention, but it was important for the Club to continue focusing on creating the best environment possible for our players. We think this decision is an outcome of that and another strong sign that our player group believes in the future of this Club.”

“Jesse has achieved a lot in his first 41 games of football; he is a competitive character who wants to achieve much more individually and as a team. He, along with our coaches and players, are looking forward to adding more layers to his game in 2017 and beyond.

“We had ongoing dialogue with Jesse’s management throughout the year and while there was always going to be a lot of supporter and media attention on the renegotiation, we believe in what we are trying to achieve at the Club and felt that Jesse would want to be part of it.

“The other important aspect of this is that Jesse joins a number of other players who have re-signed with the Club this year, which is a great indication for what we are building.”

Hogan said he was delighted to have his future secured for at least the next three seasons.

“Melbourne is where I want to be. I really like the city and I’m really excited about what we can do together as a footy club,” he said.

“What excites me about Melbourne is the young talent we’ve got. We feel like we are building something special and that’s something I want to be a part of.

“Goody (Simon Goodwin) has been great; we’ve got a really close relationship and I think he is going to be great for me personally next year and the rest of the boys as well.

“I didn’t really want all the speculation out there, so there is a bit of relief now that we’ve got it done and I can just focus on being a footballer again.

“Obviously a lot has been made of me being a Perth boy, but the Club has been great in allowing me to head home when I can and that’s something that’s made my decision much easier. They’ve been really good with my situation and something that I am really appreciative of.”

Hogan, who won the 2015 NAB AFL Rising Star, led Melbourne’s goalkicking in 2015-16.

He kicked a personal best seven goals against St Kilda in round six at Etihad Stadium this year.

In 2015, Hogan finished fourth in Melbourne’s best and fairest award and received the Harold Ball Memorial Trophy for the club’s best young player.

Hogan was also named in the 22under22 side – an AFLPA award for the best players in the AFL under 22 years old – in 2015-16.