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Christian Petracca has signed a new deal.Credit:Getty

The Dees confirmed on Wednesday that former No.2 draft pick Petracca had decided against testing the free agency market next year,extending his current contract – due to run out at the end of 2022 – until the end of 2029 on a contract estimated to be in the vicinity of $900,000 to $1 million per season.

Petracca,25,took his game to a new level last year,winning the club’s best-and-fairest award and has maintained his outstanding form this year as part of the Dees’ 7-0 start to the season. He is among the Brownlow Medal favourites for 2021.

Petracca’s deal has parallels with that of Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy and Richmond superstar Dustin Martin,both of whom signed seven-year extensions in recent years,but is perhaps more significant as it has come in the less certain post COVID-19 financial landscape.

Collingwood had been strongly linked to a play for Petracca,who had previously indicated to at least one confidante that he would consider a move to the Pies.

But Goodwin said he was comfortable with the long-term nature of the deal and had never doubted whether the midfielder would commit to the club.

“I think that shows you the confidence we’ve got in Christian. He’s getting better and better all the time,” Goodwin said

“I just think it’s a great show of faith from the club,but also from Christian.

“No doubt at all. Christian loves this footy club. He’s worked incredibly hard. He’s got great relationships here with a core group of players.”

The resurgent Deeshad already signed Clayton Oliver,Max Gawn,Christian Salem and Jack Viney since the end of last season.

Goodwin said the Dees would continue to assess the free agency and trade marking in the coming seasons but that their “No.1 priority has always been our core nucleus.”

Attention now turns to Weideman,24 next month,who is uncontracted beyond season’s end and has been unable to yet break into the Dees’ side this season following an injury-interrupted pre-season.

Weideman has been dominant in the VFL and Goodwin was optimistic the tall forward had a long-term future at the club.

“Yeah I am. Sam’s a terrific young player who once again has invested a lot into our footy club and I’m sure that’ll sort itself out in time. He’s a highly valued person and he’s going to have a great career with the Melbourne footy club. We are confident. Sam in a great spot. He’s just got back from injury,” Goodwin said.

“There’s no question he’s going to push for selection pretty hard and be an integral part of our team at some point.”

But he won’t yet be dislodging McDonald,who headed back to defence after Tomlinson was hurt in the round seven win over North Melbourne.

“He’s going to start as a forward. He’s going to start as a forward. He’s been one of our best forwards all year. We’ll get him back in that position,” Goodwin said of McDonald.

Harrison Petty will replace Tomlinson,with Goodwin hinting that the Dees would retain the vast majority of the side that beat the Roos.

“The core nucleus of the squad that played last week will be playing again.”

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