MELBOURNE has re-signed emerging midfielder Billy Stretch until at least the end of 2019.

General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said the 20-year-old had earned his new two-year deal.

“We’ve been pleased with Billy’s continued development this year,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“He’s the ultimate professional off the field and he prepares himself very well every week.

“We think he’s building the habits to be a very good long-term player.”

Stretch, the son of former Melbourne wingman/half-back and 1987 club best and fairest winner Steven, has played 35 games for the Demons.

He made his AFL debut in round six, 2015 against the Sydney Swans at the MCG.

Originally selected at No.42 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, Stretch was claimed as a father-son pick.

Stretch played 11 games in his first season, 16 in 2016 and has made eight appearances this year entering round 18.

His 31-disposal performance against the Brisbane Lions in round nine, last year at the MCG is his best possession haul so far.