Lewis Melican signs contract extension with Sydney

Sydney has rewarded defender Lewis Melican with a new deal as he continues to thrive as a key pillar in the club’s backline.

Swans defender Lewis Melican has earned a one-year contract extension after his impressive start to the 2024 season.

The 27-year-old was initially selected to the club in the 2015 rookie draft and only played 23 games across the past four seasons. However, an eye-catching return from injury last season, which included a dominant showing in the Swans’ preliminary final loss to Carlton, earned the key defender a new one-year deal for this year.

Following a strong pre-season, Melican has played in each of Sydney’s first nine matches in 2024, forming an important part of the AFL’s best defence. It’s the first time he has started a year with that level of consistency and he has become vital to John Longmire’s defensive plans.

Lewis Melican has been an important start of Sydney’s flying start. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Melican’s exceptional start has also triggered a clause in his contract that will keep him at the Swans until the end of the 2025 season.

“It’s a great feeling knowing I’ll be at the Swans for another season, we’re in a great spot as a squad at the moment,” Melican said.

“I worked extremely hard in the off-season to get my body right and I feel as though I’m being rewarded.

“I’m excited about what the future holds at the Swans and can’t wait to get stuck in for the rest of the season.”