Melbourne on-baller Tom Sparrow has turned his back on Port Adelaide to sign a five-year deal to remain with the Demons, locking himself away until the end of 2031.
Sparrow quickly became a player of interest, with the Power expected to lose gun midfielder Zak Butters to a Victorian club.
“We're thrilled that Tom has decided to extend his contract and continue his career at Melbourne,” Demons list manager Tim Lamb said.
“Tom has grown into one of the competition's most impactful midfielders, while also establishing himself as a valued leader within the club.”
“We look forward to seeing what Tom will continue to bring to the program over the next five years.”
The 26-year-old has produced a career-best season after assuming more midfield responsibility following the departures of Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver.
Sparrow hails from South Australia and is understood to have been an attractive prospect for Essendon earlier in the year.
Under the direction of Steven King, Sparrow has averaged 22.5 disposals. 6.3 tackles, 5.8 score involvements, 5.4 clearances and 4.9 inside 50s.
He was drafted with Pick 27 in 2018, and made his debut in Round 1 the following year.
Sparrow has played 139 games, including the club's drought-breaking premiership in 2021. He was awarded the James McDonald Trophy at the annual Keith ‘Bluey' Truscott Memorial awards night in 2023. This honour is given to the player who best demonstrates the club's values of trust, respect, unity and excellence.
He's played a minimum of 21 games every year sicne the flag season.
