MELBOURNE has secured dual Geelong premiership player Shannon Byrnes via the AFL free agency period.

Byrnes is the first player to be gained by the Demons under this system introduced this year.

General Manager of List Management Tim Harrington said: “It’s wonderful to add, not only a player, but a person of the calibre of Shannon to the Melbourne Football Club.”

“He comes from a club that’s had a lot of success, particularly finals success over a long period of time, and he’s exactly the type of player who can assist our own playing group.

“We see Shannon fulfilling a specific on field role and pleasingly he was keen to come to the Melbourne Football Club. We believe he comes here for the right reasons.

“He’s not only a quality AFL player in his own right, but he’s a player who can help many players on our list realise their own potential.”

The 28-year-old has played 108 AFL matches since making his debut in 2004. He played in Geelong’s 2007 and 2009 premierships.

Byrnes’ two standout seasons came in 2009-10, when he featured in 45 matches.

He played four games this season for the Cats, but was a member of their VFL premiership team.

Byrnes also played in Geelong’s pre-season premierships in 2006 and 2009.

He was originally selected by the Cats with selection No.40 in the 2003 NAB AFL Rookie Draft (held December 2002).