Dees re-sign key indigenous trio
Liam Jurrah, Jamie Bennell and Neville Jetta have committed to the Demons for two more years
Jurrah, Bennell and Jetta all debuted for the Demons in 2009 after they were drafted the previous year.
Bennell and Jetta were claimed in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft at No.35 and No.51 respectively; Jurrah was the No.1 pick in the 2009 NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft (held in December 2008).
Hailing from Yuendumu in central Australia, Jurrah burst on the scene last year and quickly became one of the stories of 2008. His exploits in the air and in front of goal dazzled all football fans, but a pre-season shoulder injury has kept him out of action so far in 2010.
Bennell is continuing to build on his inaugural season, playing every match so far in 2010. He has now made 24 appearances in the red and blue. Jetta played 15 matches in 2009, but hasn't added to his tally this year after an injury-interrupted season.
Melbourne list manager Tim Harrington said all three players were considered long-term prospects with real potency.
"All three boys - Neville, Jamie and Liam - are all exciting players who bring a real vibrancy to our playing list," Harrington told melbournefc.com.au.
"We've already seen Liam's mercurial talent, but Neville is extremely strong in his defensive work and Jamie has shown he can play in a variety of roles already - down back, up forward and we think there is some scope for Jamie and Neville in the future to play in the midfield."
Harrington said their commitment to the club was important, considering they each had to shift interstate to pursue their AFL careers.
All three re-signings would also continue to be mentored by club best and fairest Aaron Davey.
Unofficially this is indigenous round - highlighted by the Dreamtime at the 'G clash at the MCG this Saturday night featuring Essendon and Richmond - and Harrington said these new contracts for the players was timely.
"The synergies are really good," he said. "We're (Melbourne) actually up in Yuendumu for a couple of days this week with Liam, while he is out injured to do some work up there," he said as the Demons are set to host Port Adelaide at TIO Stadium on Saturday night.
"We've made a really good connection with some indigenous communities."