MELBOURNE has locked in a quintet of young talent, with Andy Moniz-Wakefield, Kynan Brown, Will Verrall, Oliver Sestan and Luker Kentfield all signing new deals with the club.
The five players put pen to paper this week, extending their time in the red and blue until at least the end of 2025.
This season saw Moniz-Wakefield and Brown make their senior debuts, the former coming after three years as a Demon.
Moniz-Wakefield, who joined the club as a Category B Rookie ahead of the 2022 season, earned his selection in Round 17, following a strong string of performances in the VFL.
He featured another five times at the top level, averaging 13 disposals and producing some exciting moments wearing the No.45 on his back.
Brown’s opportunity came in Round 16, the 19-year-old following in dad Nathan’s footsteps by pulling on the red and blue guernsey.
The skilful midfielder, who officially became a Demon under the father-son rule last year, will look to build on his strengths in 2025.
Verrall and Sestan extend their time at Melbourne, having impressed with their attitude and work ethic across their first two years at the club.
Standing at 200cm tall, Verrall has tallied 26 games for Casey to date, developing his ruck craft and aerial work at VFL level.
Sestan, who landed from Xavier College and Mansfield Football Club, has shown just as much growth since becoming a Dee in late 2022, now with 32 VFL games to his name.
Kentfield, a 194cm key forward, rounds out the exciting group of re-signings, having impressed since his selection in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft earlier this year.
Hailing from Western Australia, Kentfield made his Casey Demons debut in Round 11 and went on to play another eight games in 2024.
Melbourne List Manager Tim Lamb spoke of the exciting prospects.
“We’ve been really impressed by the growth of Andy, Will and Ollie this year, and Kynan and Luker have shown some exciting traits in their first season at the club,” Lamb said.
“What we saw from this group, at both AFL and VFL level, only gives us confidence for what lies ahead.
“We think all have a bright future at our club, and we look forward to them continuing to develop their craft.”