A youthful player from the Melbourne Demons agrees to a fresh contract.
Melbourne’s forward line receives a significant boost as Jacob van Rooyen, the promising young talent, commits to a long-term contract with the club. Initially drafted by the Demons with the 19th pick in the 2021 AFL Draft, the Western Australian has swiftly made his mark since joining the team, showcasing his skills with 36 goals across 26 senior appearances.
Although van Rooyen was already contracted at Gosch’s Paddock beyond the 2024 season, AFL Media’s Cal Twomey revealed on Tuesday that the emerging key forward has signed a four-year extension, ensuring his presence in the Demons’ lineup until the conclusion of the 2029 season. This news is especially gratifying for Demons supporters, coinciding with van Rooyen’s 21st birthday on the same day.
With this new agreement, the Claremont product joins a cohort of players committed to Melbourne long-term, including Kysaiah Pickett (2027), Jake Lever (2028), Christian Petracca (2029), and Clayton Oliver (2030).
van Rooyen and the Redlegs are set to take to the field next on Wednesday, April 24, when they face off against Richmond at the MCG in the annual Anzac Eve fixture.
