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AAP
AAP
Sport
Shayne Hope

Demons give stars time on new AFL deals

Melbourne veteran of eight AFL seasons, Angus Brayshaw (r) is a free agent at the end of 2022. (AAP)

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin insists there is "no rush" to re-sign Luke Jackson and Angus Brayshaw as AFL rivals circle the out-of-contract premiership stars.

Jackson has attracted interest from WA clubs West Coast and Fremantle, who are keen to lure the 20-year-old ruckman back to his home state.

Eagles veteran Nic Naitanui said this week he stays in contact with Jackson and would "love to have him" at the club.

Goodwin is hopeful the Demons can sort out a deal to retain Max Gawn's ruck protege in the near future but won't hurry a decision.

"Luke's just going through a process with his management and the club, and looking at all his various options," Goodwin said.

"He's a young player, he's in his third season of AFL footy and he's an incredibly talented player.

"He was pick three in the draft, he's played (43) games, he's played in a premiership.

"This will play out in its due course and we're really hopeful based on Luke's attitude towards this footy club and this team that he'll want to be part of the Melbourne footy club for a long time to come.

"There's no rush to get this answer out of Luke. He needs time to make his decision and we'll give him the time he needs."

The Demons are taking the same approach with versatile 26-year-old Brayshaw, who is a free agent this year.

"He's been a big part of our culture and driving our club forward," Goodwin said.

"We want to make sure that he's here for the long haul.

"He's going through a process himself and he's got some big decisions to make.

"He's at that age (26) now where you can be a one-club player or you can just have a little look around and Gus is a free agent.

"That's how our industry works but what I do know about Gus is he's put a lot into this footy club and he's very passionate about it."

Jackson stepped up in the win over Brisbane last week, shouldering the ruck load in Gawn's absence as Melbourne snapped a three-match losing run to move back to the top of the ladder.

Gawn will miss at least one more match with an ankle injury.

The Demons take on Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

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