RE-SIGNED Melbourne key forward Sam Weideman has spoken of the crippling pressure that came with him being out of contract.

The 21-year-old, an unlikely and belated central figure in the Demons' surge to last year's preliminary final post Jesse Hogan's injury, will remain at the club for at least two more seasons.

It's been a big week for Weideman, who missed a set shot in the final minute against Adelaide in Darwin on Saturday night that could have won Melbourne the match.

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"It was a massive weight on my shoulders," he told the club's website of his re-signing until the end of 2021.

"It was a lot of pressure, which I didn't really enjoy too much. It affected me quite hard mentally and affected my footy as well.

"I think the early stages of the year the pressure was building, and it got a bit overwhelming at times.

"It's a massive relief to have signed now and I'm very excited for what's to come."

Weideman's form was so impressive on returning to the senior side in round 22 last year that the Demons were comfortable enough to ship Hogan to the Dockers.

The trade compensation for Hogan enabled Melbourne to bring in ex-Sun Steven May to bolster its tall defensive stocks. 

However, Weideman, the No.9 pick in the 2015 draft, has battled to replicate his late-season form from last year and even found himself back in the VFL before being a late inclusion last week.

Making matters more difficult was a report suggesting his management asked for as much as $650,000 per season in contract negotiations.

Demons great-turned-media personality Garry Lyon mocked the suggestion, saying the talented 195cm forward was "a long way off".

"I'm trying to get the message across that I am trying – I'm trying to put my best foot forward and play the best footy I can," Weideman said.

"It hasn't really gone my way this year, but I'm stoked the club's put two more years onto me and hopefully I can repay the faith they've put in me."

Melbourne football boss Josh Mahoney said the fresh deal for the 27-gamer was "very reasonable" for both parties.

"There was a lot of external noise about his contract earlier in the season, which was unfair to Sam," Mahoney said.

"This deal is very reasonable for both the club and for Sam, who is still a young developing player.

"He's a great character who we believe in and he will be an integral part of our future, so it's exciting to have him recommit to us."

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