The West Coast Eagles have moved swiftly in locking down several stars, with Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and freshly-crowned John Worsfold medallist Matt Priddis all agreeing to contract extensions.

The terms of those deals vary and while the length of the agreements will not be disclosed the signatures of those three players on the dotted line is significant.

Priddis, a midfield workhorse for the last seven years, was rewarded for his ultra-consistent form by winning the Club Champion title last Friday night, which carried with it the inaugural Worsfold Medal.

He had twice been runner-up in the award and richly deserved the recognition. Deeply respected by his teammates for the meticulous approach he takes to his preparation, Priddis is also highly regarded by everyone within the organisation.  

Kennedy and Darling both finished inside the top five and have been significant factors in the club’s attacking half for the past three seasons. Kennedy kicked 60 goals in 2013, led the Coleman Medal for much of the season and is highly regarded across the competition.

Aside from his on-field contribution, he commands great respect within the leadership structure and is a key forward with an outstanding work ethic. Kennedy has played 98 games for the club and has kicked 120 goals in the last two seasons, emerging as the most consistent key forward at the club since Peter Sumich.

Darling, like Kennedy, has the tank to play midfield, and could well find himself utilised in that capacity under new senior coach Adam Simpson, who has declared his desire to have multi-faceted players within his team.

For the second year in succession Darling finished in the top five in Club Champion voting, kicked 42 goals from 21 games, but also applied strong defensive pressure inside the attacking 50 metre arc. Darling has already played 68 games and is averaging just under two goals per match.

“It is great to have three quality players and outstanding individuals extend their commitment to the club,” General Manager Football Operations
 Craig Vozzo said today. “We see all three players as very important to our plan of improving as quickly as possible.

“We hold them all in very high regard and are delighted they have extended their commitment to the club.”