MELBOURNE has re-signed Colin Garland and Jordie McKenzie until the end of 2015 and Tom McDonald until the end of 2014.
General manager of list management, Tim Harrington, said the trio was important to secure as part of Melbourne’s long term plans.
“It’s great that we’ve got an integral part of our midfield and two of our key position players committing to the club and its cause,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“They have shown their own faith in the club by committing at this stage.”
Garland has played 71 matches for Melbourne since debuting in 2007.
Originally from North Hobart, Garland was selected at No. 46 in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft.
The Tasmanian has become a highly respected defender, although in recent times he has played up forward, where he also played as a junior.
Harrington said Garland’s versatility had increased his value to the club.
“Col is a member of the leadership group and has great flexibility as a player. He’s developing his self-confidence and has thrived in the leadership group,” he said.
“He is a real football head and has an active interest in recruiting already.
“He has a great understanding of the modern game, so he’s unusual in that he saturates his world in footy.”
McKenzie was selected at No. 1 in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft in December 2008.
He has played 50 matches, reaching the milestone against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba last round.
Harrington said McKenzie, who was recruited from the Geelong Falcons and hails from Terang, was a much admired member of the team.
“Jordie will continue to be a significant part of our engine room for the long term,” he said.
“He’s a huge competitor, and is meticulous in his preparation.
“He is a great character and is low-key and hugely respected by his teammates - and is an emerging leader.”
Selected at No.53 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, McDonald has become an important member of Melbourne’s backline this season, impressing on several big names, such as St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt.
He will miss his second match of the season this round, after he suffered bleeding on the lung in a collision with Lions big man Daniel Merrett last round.
But Harrington said McDonald, who has played 14 matches, had already shown “maturity beyond his years”.
“Tom is a driven young man and has exceptional athletic abilities for a person of his size,” he said.
“He has thrived in the training regime and the professionalism.
“He takes his football very seriously and has adapted to the environment and demands of AFL football extremely quickly.”
General manager of list management, Tim Harrington, said the trio was important to secure as part of Melbourne’s long term plans.
“It’s great that we’ve got an integral part of our midfield and two of our key position players committing to the club and its cause,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“They have shown their own faith in the club by committing at this stage.”
Garland has played 71 matches for Melbourne since debuting in 2007.
Originally from North Hobart, Garland was selected at No. 46 in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft.
The Tasmanian has become a highly respected defender, although in recent times he has played up forward, where he also played as a junior.
Harrington said Garland’s versatility had increased his value to the club.
“Col is a member of the leadership group and has great flexibility as a player. He’s developing his self-confidence and has thrived in the leadership group,” he said.
“He is a real football head and has an active interest in recruiting already.
“He has a great understanding of the modern game, so he’s unusual in that he saturates his world in footy.”
McKenzie was selected at No. 1 in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft in December 2008.
He has played 50 matches, reaching the milestone against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba last round.
Harrington said McKenzie, who was recruited from the Geelong Falcons and hails from Terang, was a much admired member of the team.
“Jordie will continue to be a significant part of our engine room for the long term,” he said.
“He’s a huge competitor, and is meticulous in his preparation.
“He is a great character and is low-key and hugely respected by his teammates - and is an emerging leader.”
Selected at No.53 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, McDonald has become an important member of Melbourne’s backline this season, impressing on several big names, such as St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt.
He will miss his second match of the season this round, after he suffered bleeding on the lung in a collision with Lions big man Daniel Merrett last round.
But Harrington said McDonald, who has played 14 matches, had already shown “maturity beyond his years”.
“Tom is a driven young man and has exceptional athletic abilities for a person of his size,” he said.
“He has thrived in the training regime and the professionalism.
“He takes his football very seriously and has adapted to the environment and demands of AFL football extremely quickly.”
