Austin Bradtke, the son of former Australian sporting stars Mark and Nicole Bradtke, has declared his desire to join Melbourne as a category B rookie at the end of the season.

His decision is a coup for the emerging Demons as the talented junior basketballer had attracted interest from several AFL clubs keen to develop his athletic talents.

Austin Bradtke with mum Nicole and dad Mark. Credit:Matthew Goodrope

Bradtke, a lifelong Demons fan, represented Victoria at several national basketball tournaments in recent years after playing junior football with East Sandringham before concentrating on basketball from 2015 onwards.

That decision made him eligible to be selected as a category B rookie as he has not been registered as a footballer for the past three years.