WEST Coast draftee Tom Cole has signed a two-year contract extension after showing plenty of promise in the pre-season and the WAFL.
Cole, 18, was the Eagles' second pick (No.36 overall) in last year's NAB AFL Draft from the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup, but he had played senior VFL football with Geelong.
He impressed throughout the pre-season and has had a good start to the season for East Perth in the WAFL, averaging 19.5 disposals and four marks in his first six games for the Royals.
Cole has been on the cusp of selection for West Coast a number of times in first six rounds and the Eagles have seen enough in him to lock him away until the end of the 2019 season.
Eagles football manager Craig Vozzo said Cole was going to be a very important player for West Coast in the long-term.
"We believe Tom can be an important part of our future," Vozzo told the club's website.
"Tom's induction into the club has been almost seamless. He has been close to making his debut already and he has some qualities, which we think are quite exciting.
"Tom shows great composure and a willingness to learn and develop. It is important for us to have a young man of his character and attributes re-commit to the club."
Cole said he had no hesitation in signing a contract extension to remain in Perth.
"The club has given me an opportunity and has shown great faith in me by offering an extension, so it was an easy decision to extend my contract," Cole said.
"I've really enjoyed my time here so far. The players have been great and I'm keen to spend more time here.
"It has exceeded my expectations and I'm looking forward to what lies ahead."
Cole is the second of the Eagles' 2015 draft crop to re-sign after South Australian Luke Partington signed a contract extension in the pre-season.