Elliot Yeo is set to stay at West Coast for the rest of his AFL career after resisting the lure of free agency to re-sign with the Eagles for the next three years.
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Yeo, who was due to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, had been heavily courted by a number of rival clubs, with North Melbourne, Geelong and Adelaide all reportedly among the mix.
West Coast were only initially willing to offer Yeo a two-year deal, given his run of injuries in recent seasons.
But with Yeo proving to be more durable this year and rival clubs keen to swoop, West Coast eventually upped their offer, signing the 2018 premiership star until 2027.
The 203-game veteran is keen to help develop the next crop of stars such as Harley Reid, Reuben Ginbey, Campbell Chesser and Elijah Hewett.
"It's only fitting," Yeo said of seeing out his career at the Eagles.
"I feel like I'm part of the walls here now and to be able to finish an Eagle, it's a wonderful feeling."
"I'm looking forward to helping the younger generation coming through now and starting to build towards something that I can leave for them as well."
Yeo was restricted to just 37 games from 2020-2023 after being beset by osteitis pubis and soft tissue injuries.
But the 30-year-old has made it through 11 games already this year, with the only hiccup a minor groin injury that kept him out of action for two weeks.
During the off-season, Yeo travelled to Qatar for a specialist medical review.
That led to a new plan being implemented around his training, game preparation and management, which has increased his durability.
Yeo is averaging 23.1 disposals this season, recording career highs for contested possessions (13.4) and clearances (7.6).
He is also averaging career-best numbers for groundball gets, score involvements, score launches and goal assists.
Yeo's tandem with Reid in the midfield has been a big reason behind West Coast's improved performances this season.
Australian Associated Press
