Breakout forward Jake Waterman will remain in blue and gold until at least the end of 2029 after signing a contract extension.

One of the feel-good stories of 2024, the son-of-a-gun fought back from illness to earn All-Australian selection, a podium finish (third) in the John Worsfold Medal and lead the Eagles’ goalkicking (53) for the first time.

The 26 year-old has committed for a further four years.

“It’s an honour to sign a long-term contract at a great club like West Coast,” Waterman said.

“Massive weight off the shoulders. There’s been a bit of speculation for a couple of months now and a long-time coming, so I’m happy to get it done.

“I know there’s a process with these things and between my management and the football club they were working away to get that done as soon as they could.

“Now it’s finally done it’s reality now and I’m just happy that I’m locked away here for the next five years.”

Determined to help the Eagles build back towards finals contention, Waterman always wanted to continue the family legacy at West Coast, where his father Chris was a two-time premiership star in the 1990s.

“I’ve grown up walking the halls of family homes and having the Eagles colours plastered all over the wall and, although there was that speculation earlier in the year, I had my heart set on staying here,” he said.

Waterman’s partnership with co-captain Oscar Allen and developing tall forwards Jack Williams and Archer Reid looms as an exciting prospect in the years ahead, as the Eagles enter a new era under senior coach Andrew McQualter.

“Jake’s resilience to bounce back from serious illness has been well-documented and it was terrific to see him recognised for an outstanding season by earning selection in the All-Australian team,” General Manager Football Gavin Bell said.

“He has always had the talent and work ethic, and he grabbed the opportunity to play in a deeper forward role last season after regularly playing further up the ground during the earlier stages of his career.

“We are delighted he has committed to the club long-term and we look forward to seeing him continue to grow as a player and continue developing as a leader of our squad.”