MELBOURNE has announced a number of signings made throughout the course of the year, with a host of young talent putting pen to paper for 2020.
The eight signings, which were completed at various stages during the season, include four rookies who have earned another contract with the red and blue.
Check out who has recommitted below:
Oskar Baker
Baker, who has now been on the list for two years, has signed on for two more seasons after making his AFL debut in 2019.
Playing nine games at the top level, the 21-year-old impressed with his raw pace on the wing for the Dees, gathering a career-high 21 disposals against Adelaide in Round 11.
He also showed an ability to hit the scoreboard when he slotted two goals against the Giants in just his second game of senior footy.
Kade Chandler
Chandler was secured by the club in the 2019 Rookie Draft and developed quickly over the course of the year.
At just 174cm, the small forward impressed at VFL level to earn his senior debut in Round 22 against the Swans.
The elite pressure player has secured his spot on the rookie list for the 2020 season and has a bright future with the club.
Kyle Dunkley
Dunkley’s story is different to most, joining the red and blue via the Mid-Season Rookie Draft this year.
Despite being on the list for a short period of time, the 19-year-old gave Dees fans a glimpse of his talent in five games of footy.
The brother of Bulldog Josh Dunkley will benefit from a full pre-season as he spends a year on the rookie list in 2020.
Jay Lockhart
Lockhart is another to extend his stay on the rookie list after being picked up by the club in the lead up to Round 1.
After moving from Tasmania to join the Casey Demons last year, the 23-year-old earned a late call up to the Melbourne list and made his senior debut against the Cats just 15 days later.
He played 12 AFL games in his first season and showed his class against the Dockers with 21 disposals and two goals in Round 14.
Alex Neal-Bullen
Neal-Bullen, who is still just 23 years of age, has signed a two-year deal after playing 14 games in 2019.
The midfielder has already taken to the field 73 times across his five seasons at the club and is a popular member of the side.
He is an elite runner and one of the hardest working players on the list who will continue to improve over the coming years.
Joel Smith
Smith was unable to hit the park this season as a groin injury derailed his campaign, but he has signed a one-year deal in the lead up to 2020.
The versatile 23-year-old is a valuable option for the Demons to play at either end of the field, with great athleticism for a man of 191cm.
He’s managed just the 11 AFL matches to this point of his career but has the rare experience of competing in a Preliminary Final at the top level.
Corey Wagner
C.Wagner will spend another season on the Dees’ rookie list after the club gave him a second chance at AFL football this year.
Similarly to Lockhart, the 22-year-old earned his initial contract after an impressive 2018 season with Casey and played some important roles for Melbourne this year.
The former Kangaroo has now played 19 games (11 in 2019), and will benefit from another year in the system.
Josh Wagner
J.Wagner will join his brother in the red and blue again next year as he signs on for a fifth season with the club.
The left footer has now played 40 times at senior level and has been a reliable option at half-back.
At 25 years of age, Wagner is an experienced footballer who can play both tall and small for the Dees when required.
