Melbourne have locked in impressive defender James Frawley to a four-year contract extension.

The deal will keep Frawley at Melbourne at least until the end of 2014, ruling out the prospect of him joining new AFL clubs Gold Coast or Greater Western Sydney when they enter the competition.

Frawley, 21, is the nephew of former St Kilda captain and ex-Richmond coach Danny Frawley.

"The last few years have been pretty tough, but hopefully the times are looking up and it'll be good to be part of the young group and hopefully challenge for a premiership soon," Frawley said.

"It'll be good to stick with a few of these young boys and hopefully a few of them will get on board and sign, so we'll go forward together."

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