Midfielder Nathan Jones and high-marking sensation Jeremy Howe have re-signed with AFL club Melbourne until at least the end of 2015, the Demons announced on Sunday.

“We are really pleased that we’ve had further proof of players showing their commitment and confidence in the club,” Melbourne’s list manager Tim Harrington said in a statement.

The Demons have endured a difficult season and have won only two of their first 17 matches ahead of Sunday’s home game against fellow strugglers Gold Coast at the MCG.

Jones, 24, is a 130-game veteran and a former best and fairest runner-up. The 22-year-old Howe was named Melbourne’s best first-year player in 2011 and is a strong candidate to win the AFL’s mark of the year in 2012.

“Nathan Jones is going to be a central part of our midfield for many years to come,” Harrington said.

“Nathan has missed only two games through injury since making his debut in 2006, which is further testament to his preparation and mindset.

“Jeremy is a highly talented player, who has captured the imagination of all Melbourne supporters. He has shown his versatility in his first two seasons of AFL, playing a variety of roles for the club.

“We expect he has plenty of improvement left in him.”

Jordie McKenzie, Mark Jamar, Tom McDonald and Colin Garland have also recently re-signed with the Demons.

Melbourne president Don McLardy told the club’s president’s lunch at the MCG on Sunday that he was impressed with the way Demons’ chief executive Cameron Schwab had handled a series of dramas this season, including club great Jim Stynes’ death and player Liam Jurrah’s arrest on assault charges.