Trade talk: Career-best Demon to turn back on rival interest

Tom Sparrow is set to sign a new contract with Melbourne, according to SEN’s Tom Morris.

The 26-year-old midfielder, who is enjoying a career-best year, is closing in on a new deal to stay with the Demons.

It’s understood it will be a lengthy contract of five or more years.

The South Australian has attracted plenty of interest from Port Adelaide, but it looks as though he’ll remain in the red and blue.

Under Steven King in 2026, Sparrow has achieved career-high averages in disposals (22.9), tackles (6.4) and clearances (5.5), and is second at the club for total disposals behind Jack Steele and second in clearances behind only Max Gawn.

King recently spoke to SEN about the future of the 2018 draftee, maintaining optimism that he would stay put with the Dees.

“I’m still optimistic because I know Tom as a person and a character, but also the way he’s playing for us,” King said on SEN Breakfast.

“I’m also realistic as well knowing for each week it drags on the potential or possibility of him exploring and seeing what’s out there becomes more real.

“I don’t stay up at night stressing about it, but what I want to do is keep doubling down on our environment and giving Tom the opportunity to be his best version of himself, and play the best footy he can.

“I’m actually thrilled the way he’s handling it and how he’s performing for us. The way I watch games back and see him live at training every day, around the place, and the way he plays, I’d say he’s 100 per cent committed to our footy club. As a coach that’s all I can ask for.

“At the moment with the way he’s handling himself and the player and person he is, he’s fully invested in us this year.

“If I got the phone call today saying he’d recommit I’d be the happiest coach in Australia. So fingers crossed, what he’s doing for us week to week is incredible.”