TO BE at a club that embraces development and growth.

That’s what Bailey Laurie’s thought process was when signing his two-year contract extension with the Dees.

The young talent put pen to paper on Friday morning and knew he was staying in the right place.  

“I feel like being at Melbourne is best for my development,” Laurie told Melbourne Media.

“I’m really happy with where I’m at and when you’re enjoying where you’re working every day and you feel like you’re developing really well, there’s no need to go anywhere else.”

Laurie spent his first year at the club (2021) in and out of action with injury, missing nine weeks of footy due to a fractured cheekbone and then missing an additional four weeks with a fractured collarbone.

While many would find time away as a hindrance to personal development, Laurie took this as an opportunity to absorb information from the sidelines and learn lifestyle lessons from some of the league’s best athletes.

“I think I learned good habits off the field and what I need to do when I am injured,” Laurie said.

“I was able to observe other players, their habits and their routines and what they were doing to make themselves successful.”

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Walk & Talk | A minute with Laurie

Bailey Laurie answers some quick fire questions after training

This time off-field gave Laurie the hunger to come back in 2022 better than ever and that’s exactly what he did.  

Laurie has been a consistent contributor in the VFL, averaging 16 disposals and kicking a total of 11 goals over his eight games.

This form has been rewarded with two weeks spent on the AFL side’s emergency list, proving how close the young Demon is to a senior debut.

“This pre-season and this year have been where I’ve most developed, which has been great,” he said.

“I’ve been learning more on-field stuff, which has been really beneficial and I’m grateful that I’ve been able to actually get out there and play.

“My overall game [has improved], my contest work is better, my work rate and the impact I’m able to have in games [is better], both offensively and defensively.”

At just 20 years old, Laurie is just getting started and is eager for what’s to come in his next two years at the Dees.

“Developing my contest game is something that I’m looking to continue,” he said.

“Everyone has got that desire to be better and to be the best player they can be, so surrounding myself with that, it will drive me.

“[I’m looking forward] to seeing the type of player I become and hopefully I can earn a spot in the AFL team.

“I love footy, and I love being around the boys so I’m looking forward to continuing to do that.”