Collingwood has announced the re-signings of defender Matthew Scharenberg and midfielder James Aish until the end of the 2020 season.
Scharenberg was awarded a two-year deal following his impressive breakout season, finally living up to the potential that saw the Pies take him with pick six in the 2013 draft.
"A guy like 'Shaz' absolutely deserves the extension that he has got," Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley toldย SENย on Wednesday.
"He has had a really hard road in his short AFL career.
"He hasnโt had a lot go right for him early days but he has built resilience, both physically and mentally, and he is in a great space."
The 22-year old is averagingย 21 disposals, six marks and 3.5 rebound-50s in his 11 games this season across half back.
"Weโre only now seeing him realise the potential we saw in him when he was drafted," Magpies list manager Ned Guy toldย Collingwood Media.
"Weโre seeing his calmness under pressure and his ability to play on talls and smalls.
"Itโs a testament to his resilience after all heโs been through."
Meanwhile, Aish also penned a two-year extension with the club, who was selected by Brisbane one pick after Scharenberg in the 2013 draft.
The 22-year old was traded to Collingwood at the end of 2015, and recently suffered a knee injury that will hold him out until the latter stages of the 2018 home and away season.
"They've travelled similar paths, are both from the same state, were drafted in the same year, and they've both had their challenges trying to establish themselves," Guy said.
"Their shared journey continues with them signing on for the same period of time.
"This is recognition for the resilience and grit of both of them."
