West Coast small forward Jamie Cripps has put pen to paper on a contract extension, signing to remain with the club until at least the end of 2023.

Thrilled to recommit for three years on top of his existing contract, Cripps hoped the deal was a step towards finishing his playing days in blue and gold.

“Obviously really exciting to hang around here for hopefully the rest of my career, so happy days,” Cripps told westcoasteagles.com.au. 

“I just love the club, love WA. Stoked to stay in WA and I think the club is going in a good direction.

“Obviously we’ve got the new facilities here (at Mineral Resources Park), Optus (Stadium) and all that sort of thing, so the club is looking good.”

The 27-year-old tackling machine is recognised as one of the League’s hardest-working and most reliable goalsneaks after becoming a model of consistency during senior coach Adam Simpson’s tenure.

Crumbing at the feet of Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling, Cripps has booted 183 goals over the past six seasons, and nailed a career-best 38 majors in the 2018 flag-winning campaign.

Despite missing five matches last year through injury, the premiership Eagle still slotted 30 majors in 19 games – including three four-goal performances.

Heading into 2020, Cripps is on track to notch 150 games for West Coast in round three, and the experienced goalkicker continues to develop as a leader of the team’s youthful and “dangerous” small forwards.

“I suppose the last couple of years my leadership on-field has probably changed a bit being one of the older half-forward players in the team,” Cripps said.

“I’ve got to help out the Jarrod Camerons and the (Jack) Petruccelles and the (Liam) ‘Flyin’ Ryans.

“I do like that role I’ve been playing and I’ll continue doing that over the next couple of years.

“We’ve got some speed, got young fellas coming through and we’ve still got the old heads of ‘JK’ and ‘JD’ as well.

“I think we’ve got a good mix and that’s shown over the last couple of years playing together.”

After another strong summer on the track, Cripps is eager to resume competitive football and to run out alongside boom recruit Tim Kelly for the first time.

West Coast kicks off its Marsh Community Series in a clash with Essendon at new headquarters Mineral Resources Park on Thursday, February 27.

“Can’t wait to get stuck into the games, bit over the pre-season training at the moment,” Cripps said.

“Obviously we’ve got ‘TK’ from Geelong and all the other boys are looking pretty fit.”