The Melbourne Demons have recently solidified their roster by extending the contracts of several influential players, demonstrating the club’s intent to build a consistent and successful team in the years to come. Each extension represents both a strategic investment and a show of faith in key contributors across different stages of their careers.
Tom McDonald was the first of these players to secure his immediate future with the Demons. In September 2024, the 31-year-old agreed to a new contract that will keep him at the club through the 2025 season. A versatile veteran, McDonald found a home in the backline this past season, where his defensive efforts were crucial. Over the course of 22 games in 2024, he averaged 14 disposals, six marks, and six spoils per game—statistics that speak to his consistency and value to the team’s structure. McDonald’s leadership and experience make him a vital presence, especially for guiding younger defenders coming through the ranks.
Team captain Max Gawn also reaffirmed his loyalty to the Demons by signing a contract extension in August 2024 that runs until the end of the 2027 season. Gawn, a towering figure both physically and in terms of leadership, has been a mainstay since joining the club in 2009. With 223 games to his name, Gawn’s résumé includes six All-Australian selections and two club best and fairest awards. His impact extends far beyond his on-field statistics; he is a driving force in the locker room and sets the tone with his work ethic and on-field resilience. Locking in their captain for another three seasons offers Melbourne stability and continued leadership at the highest level.
Not long after Gawn’s extension, vice-captain Jack Viney followed suit by securing his own long-term future with Melbourne. Inking a deal in August 2024, Viney is now contracted through the end of 2028. Since his debut in 2013, Viney has become one of the club’s most passionate and driven figures. Over 218 games, he has built a reputation as a fierce competitor and a dependable midfield presence. His best season came in 2016, when he claimed the club’s best and fairest award. By retaining Viney for another four years, Melbourne not only keeps a key on-field contributor but also ensures continuity in its leadership group.
Among the club’s younger generation, Jacob van Rooyen represents a significant investment in the future. In April 2024, the promising forward committed to Melbourne with a four-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2029 season. Drafted in 2021, van Rooyen hails from Perth and has quickly made an impact in the AFL. He has already played 26 games and kicked 36 goals, showcasing a natural ability to find the scoreboard and contribute to the team’s attacking efforts. His blend of size, athleticism, and skill makes him a key piece of Melbourne’s forward line in the years to come. With this long-term deal, the Demons have clearly signaled their belief in his potential and are keen to see him develop into a leading figure.
Together, these signings underscore the club’s determination to maintain a strong core group of players while also building for long-term success. By balancing the retention of experienced veterans with the development of emerging talents, Melbourne is positioning itself for sustained competitiveness in the AFL. The extensions offer a sense of stability and continuity, both of which are essential for any team hoping to contend at the highest level. Each player brings a unique set of qualities—leadership, experience, passion, and potential—and the club’s efforts to keep them in the fold reflect a clear, forward-looking strategy.
In securing McDonald, Gawn, Viney, and van Rooyen, the Melbourne Demons are not just rewarding performance—they are investing in a culture of consistency, resilience, and unity that could carry the team to future premiership contention.
