Sydney Swans exciting defender Lewis Melican, who has his own cult following on Facebook, has capped off an impressive debut season by signing on with the Swans for three more years.
With Zak Jones and Sam Reid tied to chairs and forced to watch, he skilfully flicked, swished and swiped his pen across the dotted line, giving off satisfied grunts with every movement.
Like many key defenders before him, the 20-year-old took time to find his feet at the club, picked up with pick 52 in the 2015 rookie draft.
He bided his time in the NEAFL throughout the 2016 season, before taking his opportunity with class and style in round 5 this year.
Despite more experienced defenders playing in the NEAFL, he's managed to maintain his position in the team, just missing one game for structural reasons, displaying graft, poise and composure beyond his experience, a trademark of the Rhyce Shaw Football Factory.
Swans Head of Football Tom Harley was expectedly chuffed at the signing, declaring it a wondrous day for the club, and hopeful for more "englightened" individuals would follow suit.
"Lewis has been on a gradual improvement curve since arriving at the Swans as a rookie three years ago,” Harley said.
“After overcoming a few injuries, he was able to put together a really solid pre-season and force his way into the senior team.
“His poise with the ball, competitive nature and overall character hold him in good stead and we are very happy that he has committed to us for the next three seasons."
Lewis Melican joins Isaac Heeney, Callum Mills, Will Hayward, Oliver Florent, Jordan Dawson and Darcy Cameron in recommitting to the Swans in season 2017.
Lewis Melican
DOB: November 4, 1996
Draft history: Pick 52, 2015 Rookie Draft
AFL Debut: Round 5, 2017 v GWS
Height: 193cm
Weight: 95kg
Games: 11
Goals: 1
Swans Player No.: 1411
Guernsey No.: 43
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