West Coast re-sign veteran Tom Cole to new one-year deal as young forwards earn repreive

West Coast veteran Tom Cole has signed a second consecutive one-year deal at the Eagles alongside small forward Noah Long and Jacob Newton, who have all been locked in for 2027.

It now leaves the Eagles with only eight players without deals for next season as exit interviews continued at Mineral Resources Park on Wednesday.

A premiership defender in 2018, Cole has rejuvenated his career as a small forward in 2026, booting nine goals from 17 games to ensure he would play on for a 12th season and reach the 150-game milestone, having played 148 matches so far.

“Tom has been a terrific servant of the football club and has thoroughly earned this new deal through his performances, consistency and leadership,” Eagles list boss Matt Clarke said.

“His effort and contribution throughout the season have been invaluable, and we’re delighted to see him rewarded with another contract.”

Newton was set for a big year at the Eagles after arriving in the mid-season rookie draft last year, with the South Australian set to play as a small forward who could pinch-hit in the midfield.

However, a foot injury cut the 20-year-old’s season short after only three games, but he returned to the track at the end of the year ahead of a big pre-season.

“Jacob has faced significant injury challenges, but he has continued to attack his rehabilitation with professionalism and determination,” Clarke said.

“We remain fully committed to his development and look forward to seeing him back on the field and contributing at AFL level.”

And as revealed by The West Australian at the weekend, the Eagles had committed to luckless small forward Long for at least next season despite not playing at all this year because of a knee injury he sustained in the pre-season.

Drafted with pick No.58 in 2022, Long has played 36 games for West Coast and is widely viewed as a strong young leader at Mineral Resources Park, having inherited former skipper Luke Shuey’s No.13 jumper at the end of the 2023 season.

“Noah has endured a frustrating run with injury, but our belief in his talent and potential has never wavered,” Clarke said.

“This extension reflects our commitment to supporting his return to play and our confidence that he still has an important role to play in the future of the club.”

Mid-season rookie Marcus Herbert is leaning towards staying at the Eagles, despite Carlton offering a two-year deal for the Geelong VFL product.