JAKE Spencer has secured a new deal with Melbourne and will remain with the club until at least the end of 2017. 

General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney confirmed on Wednesday that the ruckman had signed a one-year contract.

“Jake has shown in his time at Melbourne that he’s capable at AFL level,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“He’s had a frustrating run with injuries, but we think having Jake as part of our ruck division is important for the club, given his age and experience.

“Jake forms a good combination with Max Gawn and our other rucks as they develop.”

Spencer, who hails from Townsville in Queensland, has had to contend with a host of injuries, ever since he was drafted in the 2008 NAB AFL Rookie Draft, which was held in December 2007.

He has played 36 games since he made his AFL debut in round one, 2009 against North Melbourne at the MCG.

The 27-year-old has played 28 of his matches since 2012, but has not added a game to his tally this year, after missing nine weeks with a foot injury from February to April.

He has played the past two matches in the VFL and is making good progress after being sidelined through injury.

Although Max Gawn has grabbed the No.1 ruck mantle, Spencer managed to hold that position last year and remains a ready-made ruckman.