Melbourne have locked away young utility Blake Howes to a new two-year extension, with the teenager committing to the red and blue until the end of 2025.
Howes joined the Demons as the 39th overall pick in last year's draft, joining Simon Goodwin's squad following a strong stint with the Sandringham Dragons.
The 19-year-old faced an injury-interrupted maiden campaign in the AFL, having been sidelined with a foot injury that kept him off the park for the majority of 2022.
Howes made a return to Casey's lineup in Round 18 of the VFL season and would play seven games in the club's run toward a premiership-clinching win over Southport in the grand final.
โTo have Blake remain in the red and blue for at least the next three years is exciting,โ Demons list manager Tim Lamb told Melbourne Mediaย when speaking on the retention of Howes.
โBlake is a great young talent, who has applied himself since day one at the club. The drive and resilience he showed throughout his rehab is a true reflection of his ambitious character.
โWe look forward to watching Blake grow over the coming seasons and seeing what he can achieve when an opportunity presents itself at AFL level.โ
Howes was drafted as a formidable medium-sized forward that can also play further up the field, whether that be in defence or on the wing.
He'll be among a handful of Demons players pressing for an AFL debut in 2023 following an impressive year with Casey in the second tier.
Howes' signature comes in a busy season of signings for Melbourne, who recently re-signed emerging tall forward and fellow 2021 draftee Jacob van Rooyen to a new deal until 2025.
