MELBOURNE forward Tom McDonald has signed a new contract extension that will see him remain a Demon until at least the end of 2024.

The 28-year-old, who was drafted to Melbourne with pick No.53 in the 2010 National Draft, has signed on for a further two years in the red and blue after a strong 2021 season.

"We are thrilled that Tom has committed for a further two seasons,” List Manager Tim Lamb told Melbourne Media.

"It was widely publicised that both the club and Tom explored potential opportunities for him during last year's trade period that ultimately didn’t come to fruition.

"The professional and respectful manner in which the club, Tom and his manager Alex McDonald handled that situation saw Tom come back into the fold with a clean slate and attack the pre-season.

“On the back of that, his performances this year have been instrumental in our strong performance so far and we look forward to him continuing in the red and blue for the next three seasons."

McDonald has had a long career as a Demon, currently playing in his eleventh season, averaging 14.3 disposals, and registering 31 goals.

The forward said he was grateful to be able to put pen to paper after such a positive year for the club and its players.

“It’s been an awesome season for the team and I’m pretty excited to be able to do this,” McDonald told Melbourne Media.

“I’m looking forward to the rest of my career at Melbourne and I’m thankful for the club and everything they’ve given me and my family so far.

“I’m really excited to keep going.”

As Melbourne prepares to play in its first AFL Grand Final since 2000, the No.25 said that it felt particularly special for him to be a part of such a momentous game having been at the club when it was at its lowest.

“Through the middle part of my career it almost didn’t seem like it was realistic [to reach the premiership game],” McDonald said.

“But to have had the turnaround we’ve had this season; it’s just been really exciting.”