Melbourne has secured the services of Werribee midfielder Jack Henderson as a Supplemental Selection Period acquisition.
Henderson has signed with the Demons despite training with West Coast this pre-season, with the reigning Norm Goss Medal winner deciding to remain in Victoria.
The 24-year-old had interest from Melbourne and West Coast ahead of Friday's SSP signing deadline, with the Demons' play for Henderson coming late after the club confirmed forward Shane McAdam's season was over due to injury this week.
"We're really pleased to be able to give Jack an opportunity, following an impressive VFL career at Werribee," Demons list manager Tim Lamb said in a club announcement.
"We were very close to selecting Jack in the National Draft last year and feel he has earned his opportunity at AFL level. He is a terrific character who has shown great perseverance over his football journey improving each year.
"He is a true competitor with a great attitude, and we look forward to seeing what role he can play for us in 2025."
Henderson's promotion to the AFL comes after a stellar season for Werribee, helping lead the Tigers to a VFL premiership and taking out best-afield honours.
The inside midfielder links up with fellow Werribee draftee Aidan Johnson at Melbourne, while the 'Bees also saw defender Riley Bice drafted to Sydney last November.
The Demons are scheduled to face North Melbourne and Fremantle in the coming weeks as part of their pre-season schedule prior to a Round 1 bout with GWS at the MCG in mid-March.
