EXCITING young Melbourne midfielder Christian Petracca has signed an extended contract and will remain a Demon until at least the end of 2018.

The 19-year-old has penned a two-year extension, on top of his initial contract for 2015-16.

Petracca, who was the second player selected in last year’s NAB AFL Draft and drafted from Beverley Hills/Eastern Ranges, has yet to play an AFL match, after he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the pre-season.

But manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said Petracca was an integral part of the club’s long term plans.

“Everything that we saw in Christian before he came to the club, we saw in pre-season,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“Since he unfortunately injured his knee at training, he’s been working really hard at his rehab and learning more about what it takes to be an AFL player.

“We’re very happy to have another one of our young players sign up for the long term and we look forward to seeing Christian running around for Melbourne next season.”

The Demons have now locked away Petracca, Angus Brayshaw and Jay Kennedy-Harris until at least the end of 2018, and Jesse Hogan until at least the end of 2017.