In a week of change and chaos at the Melbourne Football Club, one man who is certain to remain a Demon in 2026 is Bayley Fritsch, according to a report from AFL.com.au’s Riley Beveridge.
The Dees made the decision on Monday night to sack coach Simon Goodwin, despite him still having another year to run on his contract.
Fritsch’s contract was due to expire at the same time, but after a disappointing year for the 2021 premiers he had been floated as one of several players who could exit the club at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old is now expected to stay put however, after a solid run of form over the past couple of months.
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“I’m told, quite strongly, he wants to stay at Melbourne,” Beveridge said on Gettable.
“And I’m told, just as strongly, Melbourne wants to retain him next year.
“He’s a free agent next season. But I don’t think there’s any chance, as things stand, that Bayley Fritsch leaves before the end of next year.”
Despite being dropped to the VFL earlier in the year, Fritsch is averaging 2.5 goals over his last eight games, including a four-goal haul against West Coast on Saturday.
He has led the club’s goalkicking each year since 2020.
Fritsch is one of a number of premiership Demons who have been rumoured to depart the club at season’s end, with stars such as Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver and Jake Lever also mentioned.