Two important planks of West Coast’s rebuild – Harry Edwards and Brady Hough - have committed their futures to the Eagles by signing three-year contract extensions.
Eager to repay the club after six years of development, key defender Edwards has signed an extension until at least the end of 2027.
Hough was already contracted for next season and the lockdown backman will now remain an Eagle until the end of 2028.
“I’m stoked to sign on. I think it’s a really exciting group we have here and I really like the direction and the way the club is heading at the moment,” Hough said.
“I can’t wait for the future.
“It’s great to sign on with Harry. He’s been good in the back end of the year when he’s got his body right. So many great backmen down there, so it’s a great group to be part of at the moment.”
Hough notched up his 50th match against Gold Coast in round 22 and has proven an astute selection at No.31 in the 2021 draft.
The 21-year-old has developed into one of the AFL’s premier shutdown defenders, taking some big-name scalps over the past two seasons.
“I think I’ve developed quite a bit throughout the year, and hopefully can go away in the off-season get a bit stronger, fitter and faster and hopefully come back better next year,” Hough said.
Edwards, 23, has had to bide his time and overcome some injuries since being drafted as a rookie at the end of 2018, but has managed 38 matches in blue and gold.
Eight of those appearances have come this year and the 200cm Swan Districts product has a bright future ahead.
“I’m very, very happy to repay the club. I’ve been here for six years now, love the boys, love the direction we’re heading, so it’s going to be awesome,” Edwards said.
“I’m feeling really good. This year has probably been one of my better years output-wise and I feel ready to play AFL; the body feels ready.
“I had a good run in pre-season and been able to play some good footy off the back of that.”
Edwards also paid tribute to Hough, who was the club’s Emerging Talent winner in 2022 – the season after he claimed the prestigious award.
“I can’t wait to play with him in the backline for many years to come, hopefully,” Edwards said.
“His lockdown ability is something everyone knows about and his ability to get the job done is something else, so we give him a job every week and he nails it.
“We just love what he brings.”
