MELBOURNE'S small forward Kade Chandler has secured his future with the Demons, turning his back on Free Agency and recommitting to the red and blue for a further five years.

In recent years, the 26-year-old has become one of Melbourne’s most consistent and reliable players.

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Melbourne’s List Manager Tim Lamb said the extension speaks to the growth Chandler has shown both as a player and a leader.

“We are so excited that Kade has decided to extend his contract and will remain at Melbourne until the end of 2031,” Lamb said.

“Kade is a great role model for our younger players, both on and off the field.

“His hard work and competitiveness combined with his talent has seen him develop into a crucial player for us.

“His endurance, speed and ability to impact both offensively and defensively will continue to be an important asset for us in the years ahead.”

Chandler is in career-best form this season, obtaining his first 10 coaches vote in Round 9 against the West Coast Eagles.

Chandler was also the winner of the Ron Barassi Jnr Memorial Trophy (Leadership Award) at the 2025 Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy Awards night, a reflection of his impact as a leader within the group.

Originally from Charra, a country town eight-and-a-half hours west of Adelaide, Chandler was taken with Pick No.15 in the 2018 AFL Rookie Draft and has gone on to play 92 games since making his debut in Round 22, 2019.