JAY Kennedy Harris has secured a new deal for the 2019 season.

The 23-year-old will remain in the red and blue until at least the end of next season, after the club offered him a one-year contract.

General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said the Demons were impressed with Kennedy Harris’ growth in 2018.

“We were pleased with Jay’s development this year, particularly the second half of the season,” Mahoney told Melbourne Media.

“We look forward to him building on this over the summer and into 2019.”

Kennedy Harris has played 34 matches for Melbourne, including six this past season, since making his AFL debut in round one, 2014 against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.

He made 14 appearances in his first season, followed by eight in 2015, but did not play a senior match in 2016 after suffering three separate hamstring injuries.

Kennedy Harris added six matches last year and was unlucky not to play in Melbourne’s recent finals campaign, after some impressive form late in the season. He was an emergency for the three finals.

Originally from Kew Comets/Oakleigh Chargers, Kennedy Harris was drafted at pick No.40 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft.