EMERGING Melbourne forward Dean Kent has spurned opposition interest to re-sign with the Demons for a further two years.
 
Kent, who was due to fall out of contract at the end of the season, will remain with the club until at least the end of 2018.
 
The 22-year-old has become a vital member of Melbourne's forward line, kicking 21 goals from 14 games this season and filling the Demons' demanding role as a high-half forward.
 
"Dean has always shown the ability and talent to play at AFL level," Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney told AFL.com.au.
 
"He has been able to improve his consistency in games and also focus on his preparation, which has allowed him to play consistent footy throughout the year."
 
Kent has displayed rapid improvement this season, averaging career-highs in disposals (15.4) and tackles (3.2) and has enjoyed the spoils of an injury-free year.
 
He is ranked third at the Demons for goals, behind in-form forwards Jesse Hogan (38) and Jack Watts (30), and equal-first in goal assists (12), while adding raw speed and an aggressive approach to Melbourne's developing team.
 
The West Australian had displayed glimpses of his talent in recent seasons but was struck down by a serious hamstring injury, which occurred in round four against Richmond last season, which wiped away almost his entire year.
 
Mahoney said Kent's development had come on the back of his improved professionalism and learning about how to best prepare himself for games during his stint on the sidelines.
 
"He had a really good pre-season and he's really started to focus on his recovery and preparation during the week to make sure he's in good shape leading into games," Mahoney said.
 
"He learnt a lot during that rehab period and in the pre-season he focused a lot on his diet and being a 24/7 footballer and that's flowed into him being consistent this season."
 
Kent's close friend and fellow West Australian, Jesse Hogan, who is contracted to the Demons until the end of 2017, has put off talks until the end of this season as Melbourne looks to extend his time at the club.
 
Key defender Tom McDonald also remains unsigned beyond this season, with both players high on Mahoney's agenda.
 
Kent, pick No.48 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft, has played 46 matches for the Demons since making his debut in round six, 2013.