PROMISING West Coast defender Tom Cole will return to full training in the New Year after having minor ankle surgery.

The 19-year-old – who played two games for the Eagles this year – suffered an injury at training last month.

"He had surgery to remove a bone chip," a West Coast spokesman said.

"He will be back running next week and full training straight after the Christmas break."

The Eagles selected Cole with the 36th pick of the 2015 NAB AFL Draft from the Bendigo Pioneers.

Cole impressed the Eagles so much that in May, before he had made his senior debut, he put pen to paper on a contract extension until the end of 2019.

He debuted against Gold Coast in round 10 before retaining his spot the following week against eventual premiers, the Western Bulldogs, in round 11.

Cole had a consistent season for East Perth in the WAFL.