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.”

Originally published as Lewis Melican signs contract extension with Sydney