World Footy News

Rising West Coast Eagles star Nic Naitanui, 20, has today agreed to a new three-year contract extension, binding him to the club until the end of the 2014 season.

The emerging 201cm ruckman, one of the most exciting prospects in the AFL, had been touted as a possible target for the new Greater Western Sydney franchise, but he revealed today that he never intended leaving the club.

“I wasn’t going anywhere,” Naitanui said. “This is a young and exciting group, there is already a strong bond between everyone at the club and I want to be a part of that for the next five to 10 years.
“There really are some exciting times ahead of the playing group and we will work together to ensure we achieve the targets we’re aiming at in the coming seasons.

“It’s great to have this done so early. Pre-season is going well, there is a good vibe around the club and all the boys are working hard. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

While still learning his craft, Naitanui finished fifth in the 2010 Club Champion Award and is looking forward to developing his relationship with No.1 big man Dean Cox.

Selected with pick No.2 in the 2008 national draft, Naitanui has already created an amazing highlights reel in his 32 games and is certain to add to it in coming years as he continues to develop.

West Coast Eagles chief executive Trevor Nisbett said he - and everyone else associated with the club - was delighted that Naitanui had agreed to a contract extension.

“It’s fantastic for Nic and fantastic for our club,” Nisbett said. “Nic is a vital cog in our future and he is fast developing into a marquee player.

“He is learning all the time and has a great thirst for knowledge. Not only is Nic one of our key players of the future, but he is also an outstanding character who has a lot to offer our club.

“We are all excited about what he offers the West Coast Eagles in the coming years.”