Melbourne’s 2026 mid-season draft trio have recommitted to the club, with Joel Fitzgerald, Lukas Cooke and Max Mapley all signing one-year contract extensions to remain Demons until the end of 2027.

Selected by Melbourne in the AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft in May, the trio have each made a positive impression in their first months at the club.

Melbourne AFL List Manager Tim Lamb said the club was thrilled to secure the trio for another season.

“We’re really excited to have Joel, Lukas and Max remain with us through until the end of 2027,” Lamb said.

“All three players have made promising starts to their careers since arriving at the club.

“We’re excited to see their continued growth and the contribution they’ll make to our football club in the years ahead.”

Fitzgerald has made an immediate impact at AFL level, playing every senior game since his third week arriving at the Demons.

The 22-year-old midfielder has solidified his spot as a rising star with several impressive performances, recording 31 disposals in Melbourne’s Round 18 win over Richmond before finishing with two goals, seven clearances and six tackles in the clubs Round 21 victory over Gold Coast.

Cooke, a 196cm key defender from South Australia, made his AFL debut in Melbourne’s Round 14 win over Essendon and showed promising signs before unfortunately suffering a facial injury that saw him removed from the match.

Since returning, the young defender has continued his development with Casey in the VFL, gaining valuable experience and learning alongside Melbourne’s experienced defensive group.

Mapley joined the Demons from Tasmania’s VFL program, where the 20-year-old averaged 18 hit-outs, 12 disposals and three clearances across the opening half of the season.

Since arriving at Melbourne, the developing ruck has embraced the opportunity to learn from captain Max Gawn and is continuing to refine his craft.

With their futures secured, the trio will remain on Melbourne’s rookie list as they continue their development in the red and blue.