MELBOURNE has signed outstanding young midfielder Angus Brayshaw to a new four-year deal.

It means the 22-year-old will remain in the red and blue until at least the end of the 2022 season.

General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said the club was delighted to secure Brayshaw.

“We’re very pleased that Angus has signed on for another four years. He’s worked extremely hard, particularly the past 18 months,” he told Melbourne Media.

“He’s been through a lot as a player, with his concerns around concussion and his form this year has been off the back of a lot of hard work by, not only himself, but our coaching staff. They’ve helped get him back to playing at a high level.

“When he was selected with pick three in the National Draft, we always knew Angus’ ability was to play through the midfield, and to kick goals was a strength of his. We’re starting to see that consistently. He’s an important part of our young midfield.”

Mahoney said the club was rapt to lock away several of its young talent into the next decade.

“With this signing, we now have all of our young midfielders signed for an extended period of time, which provides great stability for our group, and we can look forward to watching their development over the coming years,” he said.

Brayshaw, who played his 50th AFL match against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium in round 18, achieved career-best disposals (39) against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium in round 11.

In round 17, again against the Dogs, this time at the MCG, Brayshaw had 38 touches. He also had 37 possessions – and kicked three goals – against the Adelaide Crows at TIO Traeger Park in round 10.

Originally drafted from Hampton Rovers/Sandringham Dragons at No.3 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, Brayshaw received a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in 2015. He eventually finished fifth to overall winner – and teammate – Jesse Hogan.

Brayshaw had a fine debut season in 2015, playing 21 matches, but his 2016-17 years were hampered by several concussion setbacks.

This year, the classy ball-winner has shone in the engine room and reinforced why he was regarded as one of the best young talents to emerge in his draft year.