Former No.1 draft pick Jack Watts is among five players to sign new contracts with resurgent AFL club Melbourne.

After being taken with the first pick in the 2008 national draft, 19-year-old Watts only played three matches in his debut season.

The key forward took some major steps forward with 15 matches in 2010 and has been rewarded with a three-year contract extension.

"It's great that Jack has shown his commitment to the Melbourne Football Club - we know he will be an integral part of our team and club in the future," the Demons general manager of list management Tim Harrington told melbournefc.com.au.

Matthew Bate, Lynden Dunn, Rohan Bail and James Strauss also signed new deals that will keep them at the club until at least the end of 2012.

In his fifth season, Dunn, 23, was among Melbourne's most improved players in 2010, playing 18 matches and kicking 26 goals.

After claiming back-to-back wooden spoons in 2008-09 under coach Dean Bailey, 12th-placed Melbourne were among the big improvers this year.

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