The West Coast Eagles have covered the full spectrum, both in coverage on the ground and in experience, with the latest announcements regarding contract extensions.

Young forward Noah Long, who made such an impressive start to his AFL career this season, and second year midfielder Jai Culley join experienced utility player Jake Waterman and defender Alex Witherden in locking away new deals.

Long, the club’s final selection in the 2022 draft at #58, played 19 games in an impactful debut season that sees him bracketed with Reuben Ginbey, Elijah Hewett, Culley, Brady Hough, Rhett Bazzo and Campbell Chesser as key pillars in the club’s rebuild.

The lively small forward showed high football intelligence and enthusiasm and has agreed to a two-year extension, binding him to the club until at least the end of the 2026 season.

Culley, secured with pick #1 through the 2022 mid-season draft, has agreed to a 12-month extension after suffering a ruptured ACL in the round eight match against Richmond at the MCG.

The big-bodied midfielder had played in five successive senior matches, earning a Rising Star nomination, before the unfortunate injury but he has been as committed to his recovery as he has been to maximising his opportunity since his arrival at the club.

Waterman, the son of dual premiership star Chris Waterman, had been in career-best form before being struck down by a serious virus ahead of the round 13 game against Adelaide. He did not play again after lining up in 11 consecutive matches prior to the medical issue but has received a two-year extension.

Witherden joined the Eagles via a trade for the 2021 season and has played 44 games for his new club – half of them during the challenging 2023 campaign when he finished in the top 10 (eight) in the John Worsfold Medal. He has been contracted for the 2024 season.

“It’s great to have the contracts completed for those four players,” List Manager Rohan O’Brien said. “In relatively short periods of time Noah and Jai have made strong impressions and they have shown they can be important players as we move forward.

“Alex had arguably his best season in senior football this year and Jake was tracking nicely until being struck down by illness. They are also important as we look to begin the climb up the ladder.”