Former first-round draftee Josh Schache is set to remain at Redleg for another season after finalising a one-year extension with the Demons on Thursday morning.
Schache, 26, commenced his AFL career as a Brisbane Lion after being selected with the 2nd selection of the 2015 AFL Draft.
Yet, after just 27 games in the Sunshine State, Schache was traded to the Western Bulldogs, calling the Whitten Oval home between 2018 and 2022.
At the cessation of last season, the Murray Bushrangers product was traded from the Dogs to the Dees, making his senior debut under Simon Goodwin during Melbourne's Round 7 thumping of the Kangaroos.
Despite not featuring again until Round 23, Schache's ability to influence contests forward of the ball and as a pinch ruckman has been rewarded with a new deal.
โSince arriving at our club, Josh has fitted into our program seamlessly,โ Melbourne's list boss Tim Lamb told Melbourne Mediaย on Thursday.
โHe is a wonderful person and has been a super consistent performer at VFL level this year.
โHe is continuing to improve in all areas of his game and whilst he hasn't had much opportunity at senior level thus far, we are extremely confident in his ability to step in and perform when called upon.
โWe look to seeing Josh continue to grow and improve with us.โ
Schache joins fledgling forward option Matthew Jefferson in agreeing to extensions with Melbourne.
Schache's Demons are set to face Collingwood in the first qualifying final at the MCG on Thursday week.
