Melbourne’s first pick of the 2021 National Draft Jacob Van Rooyen has re-signed long-term at the Demons.
The 19-year-old was taken with pick 19 just months after the Demons broke a long-standing premiership drought.
Van-Rooyen is a talented key forward who is yet to make his senior debut but has impressed in the VFL throughout the year. He booted 36 goals through 18 games in the reserves.
JVR. 2025. ✍️
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) November 3, 2022
📝 | https://t.co/LS7rRVWEBC pic.twitter.com/mT9pjmGuQF
He was already signed until 2023 but is now locked in until the end of 2025. Melbourne list manager Tim Lamb was thrilled to re-sign the “exceptional” talent.
“Jacob has put in a mountain of work since arriving at the club, which is a testament to what he’s been able to achieve,” he told the club’s website.
“To have Jacob in the red and blue for at least another three years is exciting, and we very much look forward to what he can add to our team at AFL level, when an opportunity presents itself.
“Jacob is an exceptional young talent and we are excited to watch him continue to grow over the coming seasons.”
Van Rooyen was in the mix late in the season to make his AFL debut and is expected to feature for the Demons in 2022 after a dysfunctional year ahead of the footy for Simon Goodwin’s troops.