WEST Coast has announced contract extensions for three players crucial to its 2011 resurgence, with Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Andrew Embley all re-committing to the club on the eve of the finals.
The revitalisation Embley this year has mirrored that of his club, with the 30-year-old enjoying one of his most consistent seasons and playing a key role in the Eagles' rise.
He is ranked second at the club for overall disposals this season and his experience has been vital in West Coast's remarkable recovery after collecting last year's wooden spoon.
The 2006 Norm Smith medallist shapes as a key player if the Eagles are to advance deep into this year's finals series after securing fourth spot on the ladder.
Kennedy, a member of the senior leadership group, has continued to blossom this season and has been the Eagles' primary forward target, booting 51 goals in 19 games.
The 24-year-old missed two games because of an eye injury, but he has otherwise enjoyed an outstanding season, kicking a bag of 10 goals against the Western Bulldogs in round nine.
Kennedy's marking presence has also been an important factor, with his 128 grabs to this stage of the season second only to Quinten Lynch.
Darling has been one of the revelations of West Coast's year, playing the first 19 games after an outstanding pre-season campaign.
The 19-year-old, who was secured with selection No.26 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, has missed the last two matches with hip soreness but is expected to return to the senior side against Adelaide on Saturday night.
His impact has been profound in the attacking half of the ground and his defensive pressure has been a key element in the success of the club’s forward press.
Darling has averaged a goal a game in his debut season and, together with Andrew Gaff and Luke Shuey, he has been one of the standout young players across the AFL this season.
