ANGUS Brayshaw says he was eager to lock in his long-term future now, even though he has yet to play an AFL match.

The third player selected at last year’s NAB AFL Draft was certain he wanted to remain at Melbourne and as the club also felt the same, a deal was struck to extend his contract past his initial two years until at least the end of 2018.

“The club was keen and I was keen as well. There was no sense in waiting, so we just locked it up early. It’s one less distraction, so I can just focus on playing good footy,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“I was really keen to sign on and I’m really thankful for the club for giving me the opportunity … and it’s a big show of faith from the club to me. It’s very exciting and I’m looking forward to some good things happening in the future.

“I think it’s really important for me to focus on continuing to develop and it’s one less distraction we’ve got to worry about moving forward in the next couple of years. I haven’t played a game yet, so I’ve got to show that I deserve it.”

Having been at the club for roughly four months, Brayshaw said the time had flown, but he had soaked up every minute of his AFL journey so far.

“It’s been four months nearly and it’s just flown so fast,” he said.

“I’ve been lucky with injuries and I’m feeling all right now and I’m in good shape, so it’s gone very quick, but it’s been hard work and I’m ready to play games now, so it’s all happening.”

Brayshaw played in Melbourne’s recent intra-club clash at Casey, but was ruled out of the club’s opening NAB Challenge encounter due to a knock. But he is set to return via Casey in a practice match this weekend.

“I copped a bit of a knock a couple of weeks ago and subsequent knocks kept me off the track for a little bit, but my head’s fine – as fine as it can be,” he said.

“They were just being really conservative, as it’s not something that you want hanging around – a head issue.

“They were just being really conservative and are hopefully just easing me back into it.”

The 19-year-old was realistic about his coming weeks and said simply building up his match fitness in the VFL was his main priority. 

“I’ve got a few practice games to go before we start getting serious, so it’s about getting out there and getting some match fitness and trying to get some form heading into games,” he said.

“It’s probably the big thing for me, having played about half a practice game in the intra-club.

“Definitely getting out there and staying out there is going to be a good thing for me.”