MELBOURNE’S Ricky Mentha Jr has extended his time with the club, signing a one-year contract extension that will see him remain a Demon until at least the end of 2027.

The 20-year-old joined Melbourne in 2024 as the club’s first Next Generation Academy product from the Alice Springs region and will remain on the Demons Category B Rookie List for another year.

Melbourne AFL List Manager Tim Lamb expressed his belief in Mentha’s future at the Demons.

“Ricky has improved each year since he joined us in 2024,” Lamb said.

“He has grown both on and off the field, and we saw some really exciting things from him, particularly later in the season at VFL level.”

“We look forward to watching Ricky continue to develop and strive for his first AFL opportunity.”

Since arriving at Melbourne, Mentha has established himself as a speedy and agile player with the ability to impact the game at both ends of the ground.

The youngster has recorded strong statistics at VFL level, including multiple 20+ disposal and five-tackle performances.

Mentha was recruited from Gippsland U18s after moving from Alice Springs to country Victoria to pursue basketball, before making the transition to Australian football.