Fitzpatrick signs new contract

[Young Dee 1,303]

Don't know if this has been mentioned! (2 year contract)

I guess we won't be trading him then? or does that mean we can?

Good on you big fella!

FORWARD/ruckman Jack Fitzpatrick will remain a Demon until at least the end of 2015, after he signed a two year deal.

The 22 year-old has played 14 matches, including the past 11 this season, since making his AFL debut against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval in round 24, 2011.

Fitzpatrick’s new contract comes on the back of an impressive second half of the year, since holding his place in the side from round 10 against Hawthorn at the MCG.

He has booted 18 goals, including 15 this year. This included a career best four goals against the Brisbane Lions at TIO Stadium in round 17, and three majors against the Sydney Swans at the MCG in round 15.

General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said Fitzpatrick’s commitment was some good news for the club.

“Jack has shown signs this year that he can be a good AFL player,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“He’s kicked multiple goals in a number of games this year as a key forward and his ruck work is continuing to improve.

“Jack has had an injury interrupted start to his AFL career, but hopefully he can finish off this season [strongly] and have a good pre-season. We still think he’s got a lot of scope for improvement in his game.”

Originally drafted at No. 50 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft, Fitzpatrick has had to overcome several hurdles to not only make it onto an AFL list, but also hold a place in the team.

He suffered chronic fatigue syndrome as a youngster and during his time at the Demons has been diagnosed with diabetes.

Injuries have also interrupted his career, but his running capacity for a player of his size – especially quick over 20 metres – makes him a rare commodity in the competition.

After dominating in the VFL, Fitzpatrick’s development, particularly in the second half of the season, has been one of the positive aspects of an otherwise dismal year for Melbourne.

“He’s taken the next step into the AFL, and has taken his opportunity through some injuries this year,” Mahoney said.

“Jack, being 200 cm tall and with the speed that he has, [he] will prove to be a very difficult match up for any opposition defenders in the future.”

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2013-08-21/fitzpatrick-signs-new-contract

[Ted Lasso 17,351]

Well done Fitz, has come on in leaps and bounds this year.

[Clark_Kent 315]

With Watts likely to leave they probably wanted to sign him up quickly to bolster our key position stocks for the nest couple of years.

[dazzledavey36 49,926]

On ya fitzy!!

[dees189227 11,397]

Im rapt, when he played his 1st game i thought my god this guy is a dud, but this season he has been outstanding and he is becoming a commentators favourite.

Glad to see him stick around.

[3183 Dee 2,707]

Good on him - he has really put in and is becoming quite an asset to the team. When you've dealt with the adversities that he has (diabetes, chronic fatigue), it's all credit to him that he's earned his spot and new contract.

[jackaub 1,402]

Good to see he didnt need to see who the coach may be

Good news for the club will go ahead again next year Tries his a#se off has a go great attitude!Believes in the club fantastic

Hey What about you Jackie boy?

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

I like him, but with so much demand for key forwards I hope we entertain offers from other clubs.

[Young Dee 1,303]

Im rapt, when he played his 1st game i thought my god this guy is a dud, but this season he has been outstanding and he is becoming a commentators favourite.

Glad to see him stick around.

Agreed - I will admit I also thought he was a dud (like I did with Spencer)

We definitely need him - not as a forward but as a forward/ruck. Instead of taking 2 ruckman into a game we can have Gawn and Fitzy (2nd ruckman).

Gawn and Spencer are really just plain ruckman although Gawn could develop into a good resting full forward.

Edited August 21, 2013 by Young Dee

[rpfc 27,714]

For someone I was convinced would delisted at the end of this year, he has done a very good job to carve out something in a terrible year.

But as CB has said - life in AFL footy changes quickly and he is an asset that we may barter.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Well done Fitz. You earned it.

Given the uncertainty over Clark and Watts, I don't necessarily see him surplus to our needs.

And.i doubt whether he has any trade value at this raw stage of his career.

[Little Richard 5,949]

Onya Fitzy, stick it up all the haters.

Well deserved.

This also could be taken as an indicator that Watts will be traded, as the surplus tall forward. If you want to look at it that way.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

the fitzdog! really has been a solid first 14 games in an absolutely shizen side. There is something there for sure

[old dee 23,298]

Well done Fitz. You earned it.

Given the uncertainty over Clark and Watts, I don't necessarily see him surplus to our needs.

And.i doubt whether he has any trade value at this raw stage of his career.

Me too RR

Right now this kid is raring to go, the other two are crocks who might play a reasonable number of games between them in 2014.

Fitz has played as many games in 2013 as both of them combined and kicked one less goal than both of them combined.

He is in the lead on my player list.

[Rob Mac...... 612]

Me too RR

Right now this kid is raring to go, the other two are crocks who might play a reasonable number of games between them in 2014.

Fitz has played as many games in 2013 as both of them combined and kicked one less goal than both of them combined.

He is in the lead on my player list.

Me too OD.

A bird in the hand's worth 2 in the bush. Fitzy's come on so well this year, excited about his future and this signing.

Thanks Jack F

[Outside fifty 967]

Happy with this. Well done fitzy.

[whatwhat say what 20,559]

can play ruck and go forward to kick a goal, or play forward and relieve in the ruck.

is still young, and very agile for a big bloke.

very happy to have him signed up.

[beelzebub 22,799]

wonder what that dog wagging tail bloke might make of it all ....woof

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

wonder what that dog wagging tail bloke might make of it all ....woof

maybe getting drafted at pick 50 instead of pick 1 makes a bloke less full of himself and more part of a team

[Bitter but optimistic 21,613]

Jeez this bloke has improved. I watched him at training out at Casey 2 (or 3?) years ago. He had 2 left everything and little confidence. If his improvement continues at this rate he will be a very good player for us. My apologies Fitzy. I shitcanned you on this forum and now I take it back.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

Jeez this bloke has improved. I watched him at training out at Casey 2 (or 3?) years ago. He had 2 left everything and little confidence. If his improvement continues at this rate he will be a very good player for us. My apologies Fitzy. I shitcanned you on this forum and now I take it back.

haha yeah I remeber being down at Casey, it was a praccy, intra-club I think, he had a set shot on goal the first time I ever saw him.. it was one of the worst kicks I have ever seen and I wrote him off right there and then. Officially taken back.

[What 18,810]

HELL YEAH FITZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The kid has been a revelation this season

has all the tools to be a star

Great news

[dazzledavey36 49,926]

I like him, but with so much demand for key forwards I hope we entertain offers from other clubs.

So you would think that we just signed him up and if a good offer is put forward you would be willing to trade him!??

Haha my god some supporters are unreal.

[Gorgoroth 12,447]

Great news.

Glad the big guy has re signed with us.

[hardtack 10,187]

...

But as CB has said - life in AFL footy changes quickly and he is an asset that we may barter.

Or like Jamar, he could become an asset that we might later batter.