Melbourne have announced new deals for veteran pair Michael Hibberd and Jake Melksham, finalising the futures of the last remaining names on their list of off-contract players.
After the recent delisting of Oskar Baker, both Melksham and Hibberd were the last two remaining players yet to know where their futures lied beyond 2022.
Now, adding to a strong season of retention for the Demons, the club has confirmed the duo will extend their stays in the red and blue for another year.
“We are really pleased to be able to reward Michael and Jake for their work this season and extend their time at Melbourne,” Melbourne list manager Tim Lamb said in a club statement.
“They have both had significant impact since arriving at the club and continue to push themselves to be the best players and teammates they can be.
“Michael and Jake played important roles for us last season and are as hungry as ever to be part of our journey moving forward. We look forward to what they can bring over the coming season.”
Both former Bombers, Melksham and Hibberd joined the Demons in 2015 and 2016 from Essendon respectively.
A member of Melbourne's 2021 premiership outfit, Hibberd has played a total of 185 games in the AFL, 101 of which coming with the Demons.
Melksham added 11 games to his career this season thanks to a strong second half of the year, now seeing his games tally sit at 208 across stints with Essendon and Melbourne.
The pair join key Dees Clayton Oliver, Angus Brayshaw, Bayley Fritsch and young duo Jake Bowey and Jacob van Rooyen in having re-signed this season.
