“Big signature”: Port target staying with Demons

The deal is done.

Tom Sparrow will stay at Melbourne, according to SEN’s Tom Morris.

The 26-year-old midfielder, who is enjoying a career-best year, has put pen to paper on a new deal to stay with the Demons.

It’s understood it is a five-year deal.

The South Australian has attracted plenty of interest from Port Adelaide, but he’ll remain in the red and blue.

“This deal is done. A big deal for Melbourne because Port Adelaide were offering a fair bit,” Morris said on SEN’s Fireball.

“He’s staying for less money. I’d be guessing the exact money, but the ‘leave’ money is always more. If I had to guess I’d be saying $800,000 - $850,000.

“That’s a big signature for Melbourne. That will be announced, if not today, then in the next few days.”

Under Steven King in 2026, Sparrow has achieved career-high averages in disposals (22.6), tackles (6.3) and clearances (5.4), and is third at the club for total disposals (496) and second in clearances (118) behind only Max Gawn.

King recently spoke to SEN about the future of the 2018 draftee, maintaining optimism that he would stay put with the Dees.

“I’m still optimistic because I know Tom as a person and a character, but also the way he’s playing for us,” King said on SEN Breakfast.

“I’m also realistic as well knowing for each week it drags on the potential or possibility of him exploring and seeing what’s out there becomes more real.

“I don’t stay up at night stressing about it, but what I want to do is keep doubling down on our environment and giving Tom the opportunity to be his best version of himself, and play the best footy he can.

“I’m actually thrilled the way he’s handling it and how he’s performing for us. The way I watch games back and see him live at training every day, around the place, and the way he plays, I’d say he’s 100 per cent committed to our footy club. As a coach that’s all I can ask for.

“At the moment with the way he’s handling himself and the player and person he is, he’s fully invested in us this year.

“If I got the phone call today saying he’d recommit I’d be the happiest coach in Australia. So fingers crossed, what he’s doing for us week to week is incredible.”