West Coast have made an early move to secure one of their emerging talents, offering Reuben Ginbey a five-year contract extension. The Eagles have initiated negotiations with the defender, whose current deal runs until the end of the 2027 season.
While discussions remain in the preliminary phase, the 21-year-old has expressed a desire to remain with the club long-term, provided a suitable agreement is reached. Selected by West Coast with the ninth overall pick in the 2022 AFL draft, Ginbey has accumulated 71 games across his first four seasons at the club.
The Dunsborough native initially played as an on-ball midfielder in a depleted Eagles lineup during his early years but has since transitioned to the backline, where he has excelled as an undersized key defender. Despite frequently conceding height to his opponents and the team's overall struggles, Ginbey has won numerous individual battles against some of the league's premier forwards.
In round six of the current season, he held Fremantle superstar Josh Treacy to just one goal in the western derby, despite his side losing by 58 points. Prior to this season, Ginbey was elevated into West Coast's leadership group, becoming its youngest member.
Last month, The West Australian reported that the Eagles had also offered fellow West Australian junior Elijah Hewett a five-year contract extension. The club continues to prioritize locking in its young core as it builds for the future.
