Promising tall forward Ryan Maric will remain a West Coast Eagle until at least the end of 2026 after signing a two-year contract extension.

Selected with pick No.1 in the 2023 mid-season rookie draft, the Drouin product has made an impressive start to his fledgling career.

In a dream beginning to his AFL journey, Maric made his debut just 10 days after being drafted and joined the first kick, first goal club in the open minutes against the Crows at Adelaide Oval in round 13.

The 19-year-old played every game for the remainder of West Coast’s campaign except the round 22 RAC Derby, which he missed due to a minor calf complaint, kicking nine goals in 10 matches.

A mobile and skilful tall, Maric has grown to 196cm since last year and has the attributes to carve out a successful career in the blue and gold.

“Stoked I’m signing on with the club until 2026. I couldn’t be any happier,” Maric told westcoasteagles.com.au.

“I’m just really excited to stay a couple more years. I’ve been so welcomed ever since I’ve come in.

“It’s such a good environment seeing there’s that many young boys in the club, and I just can’t wait for what’s next and what’s to come in the future.

“I’ve always been pretty grateful the club picked me in the first state, and I’ll be forever trying to give back to the club.

“I just feel like it’s my home now.”

General Manager Football Gavin Bell was delighted to secure an important player in the club’s future.

“Ryan’s background before he was drafted showed his commitment to becoming an AFL player and he has been outstanding with his application to working on his game and improving,” Bell said.

“It’s exciting to think how much development he has to come after only just completing his first AFL pre-season.

“We view him as a long-term player with a bright future in our forward line so we are rapt he has committed to the club for a further two seasons.”