Demons set to lock up promising young gun on long-term deal

Melbourne is set to lock in Koltyn Tholstrup long-term, with the 21-year-old on the cusp of signing until the end of 2031.

Tholstrup, who was born in Western Australia, is already signed until the end of 2028, but will add three years onto his deal.

The final touches are being nutted out, with the fresh contract set to be announced as early as the next few days.

It’s understood discussions have moved quickly between his manager Andrew McDougall from Corporate Sports Australia and Dees list boss Tim Lamb.

And his decision to remain loyal to Melbourne will ward off any interest from Fremantle or West Coast for at least the next half-decade.

Tholstrup enjoyed a standout 2026. He was one of eight Demons’ to play all 24 matches, and he regularly shut down opposition stars.

Whether it was Christian Petracca, Caleb Serong, Murphy Reid or Dylan Moore, The former Pick 13 excelled on some of the best players in the competition.

Simon Goodwin used Tholstrup on the wing and at half-forward, but it’s been across half-back where he’s found a home under Steven King in 2026.

Meanwhile, Melbourne is also bracing for Trent Rivers to request a trade, though he hasn’t officially done so yet.

His partner is from Brisbane, though there are varying views as to whether the Lions are keen for him, and if so, what they would be prepared to give up for the 25-year-old pre-agent.

Gold Coast has not expressed interest in Rivers despite strong support from Petracca. Rivers has played 140 games since debuting in 2020, including 17 this year.

Brisbane is well-stocked in the position Rivers would play and remains committed to giving opportunities to currently listed players. Meanwhile, West Coast has also been linked to the 2021 premiership player, who is contracted until the end of 2027 at Melbourne.

There is no decision yet on the future of Brody Mihocek, who badly injured his neck on King’s Birthday.

Though the premiership Pie has been back running for several weeks, it is unclear whether he will fulfil the final year of his contract next season.

Mihocek also has triggers in his contract which would lead to a deal in 2028.