Jack Henderson of the Demons (centre) celebrates scoring a goal during round two this year. Photo by AAP Image/Joel Carrett.
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JOEL CARRETT
Deniliquin AFL product Jack Henderson has signed a new contract with the Melbourne Demons, securing his playing future at the top level.
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After making his debut in round one of the 2025 AFL season, Jack has been given a one-year contract extension.
Deniliquin’s star footballer has worked hard through the ranks including 68 games for Werribee in the VFL that culminated in winning the Norm Goss medal in 2024 the best on ground medal for the VFL grand final.
Jack trialled with West Coast earlier this year before being picked up by Melbourne during the 2025 AFL preseason supplemental period with a player list space opening after a Shane McAdam Achilles injury.
The 25 year-old managed five AFL games for Melbourne in the first part of the season, starting with his round one debut against Greater Western Sydney and round five against Essendon.
He then played 10 games for Melbourne’s VFL side, Casey, before missing the rest of the season due to a persistent groin injury.
Jack said he was pleased to be remaining with the Dees.
“I’m very happy to get the support from list management,” he told the Pastoral Times.
“Obviously, we didn’t have a coach at the time, but it shows they have confidence in me to give me a chance.
Jack Henderson of the Demons celebrates a goal during the AFL Round 1 match between the Melbourne Demons and the GWS Giants. (AAP Image/Rob Prezioso)
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ROB PREZIOSO
“It’s good knowing I’ll be able to get a full preseason in ahead of next season.
“When I came across, I only got in a bit of preseason.
“I’ll also be more comfortable having gotten to know my teammates this time around.”
The season experience at AFL level has been good for Jack, picking up the challenge of that level.
“It felt like a bit of a blur, February, March and April this year.
“I went across to train with West Coast and then had a choice to come back to Melbourne and get a spot.
“I certainly wasn’t expecting to be picked to play round one and was in a sort of a foreign position (forward), having played a lot in the midfield at Werribee.
“I also didn’t really know the game plan yet, but overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”
Jack is ready to make a good impression ahead of next season under new head coach Steven King and attack 2026 with a full preseason training block under his belt.
King replaces sacked former head coach Simon Goodwin.
“I’m very grateful to Goody (Simon Goodwin) for giving me an early opportunity, especially because I came in so late.
“But I’m keen to get to know Kingy (Steven King) and welcome in new teammates and draftees, and get stuck into preseason in mid-November.
“My groin is all good now, and I’m back running. I’m confident I’m feeling a bit stronger and I can start to build for a full preseason.”
The announcement of Henderson’s contract extension was announced in the same week his brother Will made news all over the country for a different reason.
Will’s engagement to Steph Carter captured hearts and attention when from the air she read her ‘Will you marry me’ proposal in a canola crop will had sown many months before.
Jack said he was aware of the romantic gesture well in advance, and that it added to an exciting week for the family.
“It was a very funny week actually,” Jack said.
“My partner Georgia and I bought a house at the start of the week, then I signed a contract extension, and then Will did the proposal.
“I’m very happy for them.
“I knew about that fairly early on, so it was good to watch that progress.”
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