Player agent Nick Gieschen, who manages a host of young stars, including generational gem Harley Reid, has provided a status update on a host of his first-year players.
Speaking on Gettable, Gieschen assessed the start of Reid's career so far, as well as fellow first-rounders Colby McKercher, Nick Watson, Caleb Windsor and Ryley Sanders, all of whom have earned routine playing time at their respective clubs and displayed clear potential for future stardom.
"He's (Reid) obviously come out and played great footy and made such an immediate impact in the side," Gieschen said.
"Colby's unfortunately missed a few weeks with a foot injury... up until then he had been slowly building some really consistent form.
"Watto's (Nick Watson) had an up-n-down year... I felt like just before the latest setback he started to get moving. It's a tough role that he plays.
"Ryley's had a really good start to his career... when he's had his opportunities to go inside, he's taken them.
"Caleb's been awesome, the way he's been able to step in from day one and make a real impact.
"Melbourne's been happy with some of the pressure and his goals have been really important so I'm super pumped for all those guys."
The AFL has adjusted their rules behind rookie contract lengths for first-round draft picks, with the change coming in the wake of former number one pick Jason Horne-Francis and his move from North Melbourne to Port Adelaide after year one.
Rookie contract lengths for top 20 draft selections grew from two years to three from the 2023 draft, meaning Gieschen's clients are still far from any big decisions.
Considering the time available to the players and clubs involved, Gieschen shared where contract negotiations sit with his players, starting with the often discussed Reid.
"He's really happy, he's settled in well, but at the same time there's no rush," he said.
"I'm happy to keep chatting to West Coast and I have spoken to Matt (Eagles list manager Matthew Clarke) over the past couple of weeks.
"It's a timing thing and Harley needs to feel comfortable. He's still adjusting to life in Perth, so it'll play out when it plays out."
With his other young stars, Gieschen was again asked if extension talks are taking place.
"Not really, to be honest. I've had briefs chats with the clubs... same as Harley, there's no rush," he conceded.
"If you look at comparing it to an AFL player, say someone that's got two-and-a-half years to go on their contract. It is early, normally those talks start to happen 18 months out.
"I feel like the clubs are just comfortable with where all these guys are sitting. They're all playing.
"I'm happy to start whenever the clubs want to start but for now I think everyone's happy for them to keep playing footy."