AFTER missing selection in Round 2, Michael Hibberd put in the work to turn his season, and his career, around.

The defender returned against the Cats and never looked back, conceding just 10 goals in his 14 games and ranking third for intercept possessions for the Demons this year.

Hibberd’s efforts have since been rewarded, polling ninth in Melbourne’s Best and Fairest count and receiving a contract extension for 2021.

“We’re really pleased to extend Michael for another year,” GM of Football Josh Mahoney told Melbourne Media.

“He worked incredibly hard in what was a really challenging year and season personally for himself and his family.

“He has been an important player for us over the past four years and as we saw this season, Michael still has plenty to offer at AFL level.

“We look forward to his experience assisting our backline again in 2021.”

Hibberd joined Melbourne at the end of the 2016 season, following 84 games with the Bombers.

It didn’t take long for the rebounding half-back flanker to show his worth in the red and blue, earning All Australian honours in his debut campaign with the club.

The 30-year-old has since pulled on the guernsey 72 times, chalking up his 150^th career match against Adelaide in Round 10 this season.