COLLINGWOOD has re-signed premiership trio Steele Sidebottom, Luke Ball and Jarryd Blair for the next two years.
The three midfielders - who were among a host of Magpies poised to come out of contract at the end of the season - are now locked away until the end of 2014.
The news, announced on Wednesday night's episode of The Club on Fox Footy, comes despite suggestions Travis Cloke's ongoing negotiations are holding up the progression of others.
While none of the three had been linked to rival clubs, Sidebottom's value would no doubt have soared given his blistering start to 2012.
The 21-year-old has been a revelation this year after a solid pre-season working with midfield coach Robert Harvey.
In his 11 games in 2012, he's averaged over 28 possessions and nearly five clearances.
Click here to view Sidebottom's career stats
The move to re-sign Ball is another indication of how highly the former St Kilda on-baller is rated, given he won't play again this year because of a knee reconstruction in April.
The extension will see the 28-year-old take his career into at least a 12th season.
While Ball has not been playing, he's been a regular at Magpie recovery sessions, supporting his teammates and maintaining his morale.
"He was obviously pretty upset when he was injured but he's been really upbeat ever since and he's been getting along to training and still contributes," Blair told AFL.com.au earlier this month.
"He still leads the way he always has, so it's been really impressive.
"He's one of the most professional guys anyone could come across in the AFL."
Blair, who famously played in the Pies' 2010 premiership in just his 12th game, is another rookie list success.
The 22-year-old has also taken on an expanded role in the middle after the coaches identified him as a player capable of becoming a good inside midfielder.
"There's been a couple of boys who have been given more time in the midfield and I've been lucky enough to get a bit more time," Blair said.
"I haven't taken over Luke's role but I've been able to contribute a little bit in filling the void of what he does.
"It's been important that Steele and 'Beamsy' [Dayne Beams] and myself have stood up a little."
The trio joins vice-captain Scott Pendlebury, defender Heath Shaw and emerging big man Lachlan Keeffe as players to recommit so far this year.
Cloke, Beams, Ben Reid, Harry O'Brien, Sharrod Wellingham and Tyson Goldsack are among those that remain out of contract at the end of the season.
Jennifer Witham is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenWitham.
