The Sydney Swans have locked in an important trio of young talent with Lewis Melican, Matthew Ling and Joel Amartey signing new deals with the club.

Melican will be in the red and white until at least the end of 2023 after signing a three-year contract extension, while Amartey and Ling have signed new one-year deals.

Key defender Melican joined the Swans with pick 52 in the 2014 rookie draft and this year the 24-year-old added nine games to his 46-game tally. 

Ling, who was Sydney’s first draft selection in 2017 before battling an unlucky run with injury, made his AFL debut in Round 8 against Hawthorn, while fellow 2020 debutant Amartey ran out for his first game in Round 17 against Brisbane.

Executive GM of Football Charlie Gardiner said it was a great result to secure new deals for all three players.

“We are very excited about the young group of players we have and are committed to investing in that group to take us forward,” Gardiner said.

“Lewis has overcome some injury battles in recent seasons to show us he can be a long-term key defender at AFL level.

“Matt and Joel both got a taste of senior football this season and have shown that they have exciting futures ahead of them.”