WEST Coast midfielder Andrew Gaff has welcomed the opportunity to start contract talks and potentially extend his deal with the Eagles beyond this season.
The young Victorian, who was recruited with pick No.4 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, shapes as a key signing for the club after it secured ruckman Nic Naitanui for the next five years this week.
After an up-and-down start to the season, Gaff said his first focus was improving his form in a crunch game against Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday.
However, the 21-year-old said moving on with contract talks was something he was keen to do after Naitanui's lengthy negotiations put any new deal on the back-burner.
"I'm definitely keen to get it underway and my manager's working closely with guys at the club who are looking after that," Gaff told AFL.com.au.
"All is going well and I love the club.
"I guess we can start talks with me now that 'Nic Nat' is finished.
"I haven't played too well the last couple of weeks so I need to get a kick myself and help the team get over the line a few more times."
Gaff and the Eagles' midfield faced a significant challenge at the MCG on Saturday with the Magpies' onball division in outstanding form.
They also face the weight of history, with West Coast's only win against Collingwood at the MCG coming in 1995.
Having lost to top-eight opponents Geelong, Fremantle and Port Adelaide so far this season, Saturday's clash presents a chance for the Eagles to "take a scalp" and kick-start their season.
"We haven't beaten them for a while and they've beaten us at some pretty important times like the final a couple of years ago," Gaff said.
"They've got a great midfield that's going really well so we've got to match it with them.
"It's time we step up and start beating these bigger names in the comp and take a few scalps and we feel like this is the perfect game for it.
"They're a pretty intimidating midfield, but we feel like we've got the cavalry to beat them."
West Coast beat Greater Western Sydney by 111 points before its bye in round nine, with Gaff substituted with an ankle complaint.
With all players taking a four-day break from the club to freshen up last week, he said the group was ready to play its best football.
"With those days off we were able to hit the ground running Monday and Tuesday this week and have a couple of bigger sessions," he said.
"We had a good session on Tuesday where we worked on a few things and we feel like it's put us in good stead, not only for this week but the rest of the year.
"Hopefully the break means we can challenge for the rest of the year."
