EXCITING small forward Jeff Garlett has become the latest Melbourne player to commit to the red and blue.

General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said Garlett had really enjoyed the Melbourne environment since joining the club.

“Since arriving at Melbourne, Jeff has built really strong relationships within the football department,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“Jeff has been durable and has been a consistent performer already and we look forward to him continuing to create more scoring opportunities in the forward half.

“It’s a great reward for the impact Jeff has already had at the club by gaining a three-year contract.”

Garlett will remain with the club until at least the end of 2019 and is the sixth Melbourne player to lock in a new deal in the past three weeks. He joins James Harmes, Jayden Hunt, Clayton Oliver, Jake Spencer and Jack Viney.

The 26-year-old joined Melbourne at the end of the 2014 season, when he was traded by Carlton for picks No.60 and No.71.

He was originally drafted by Carlton at No.6 in the 2009 NAB AFL Rookie Draft (held in December 2008) from Burracoppin (WA)/Swan Districts (WA).

Garlett made his AFL debut against Richmond at the MCG in round one, 2009 and played 107 matches with the Blues from 2009-14. He kicked 183 goals.

A NAB AFL Rising Star nominee in 2010, Garlett led Carlton’s goalkicking in 2013.

Entering round 10, Garlett has played a total of 136 games and kicked 238 goals.

Garlett, who has kicked 39 goals or more in a season on four occasions, is again on target to kick 40-plus this year, and potentially reach – and surpass – 50 majors for the first time.

Mahoney said Garlett was targeted by the club for his ability to kick goals and provide defensive pressure up forward.

“Jeff was targeted two years ago for his ability to kick multiple goals, having booted 48 goals in 2011 and 43 in 2013,” he said.

“He booted 40 goals in his first year at Melbourne last year and he’s on track to do it again in his second season with the club.

“He also brings strong defensive pressure, plus score involvements.”