Murdoch inks three-year Cats deal

Geelong have seen young midfielder Jordan Murdoch add to the list of their re-signed player, after he committed to the club until the end of 2018.
The 23-year-old has been with the Cats since he was drafted in 2011, and said he was excited to be given a new deal.

He only played 19 games in his first two seasons with the club but last year was his breakthrough campaign as he played 23 matches and kicked 22 goals.

Murdoch has been impressive again this season, averaging a career-high 15 disposals. He finished with 20 in the defeat to North Melbourne at the weekend, to go with five tackles and two goals.

He said: "I have really enjoyed playing in the midfield this season, and I have set myself to become an inside midfielder in the years to come.

"I will also continue to pride myself on being versatile. I know that the coaches will need me to contribute in a range of different roles over the coming years."

Murdoch is the third Geelong player in the space of three weeks to re-sign with the club, following Tom Hawkins and Jackson Thurlow in inking a long-term deal.

The Cats are 2.90 to finish in the top eight.

Meanwhile, Collingwood midfielder Tim Broomhead faces a spell on the sidelines after scans revealed a crack in his shoulder.

Broomhead was forced out early in the third quarter against Port Adelaide last round.

Magpies director of football Neil Balme said: "Tim has got a slight undisplaced crack in his shoulder and will miss medium term, probably six weeks or so. Hopefully he will be back before the end of the season."

Broomhead had averaged 20 disposals per game in his last three games, and was a Rising Star nominee in round 11.

The Magpies are 2.35 to win their next game against West Coast, who are 1.60.