LeCras, an all-Australian forward in 2010, is one of the class player of the competition, and joins vice-captain Beau Waters, key defender Eric Mackenzie, rebounding half-back Will Schofield and indefatigable midfielder Chris Masten as players to recently extend their commitment to the club.
The signing of LeCras, which ties him to the club until the end of the 2017 season, is important for the club on a number of fronts, not just because he has amazing goal sense, but he has also shown a capacity this season to play through the midfield.
“It is good to have the contract settled at this stage of the season,” LeCras said today. “We are all committed to finishing the season as strongly as possible and pushing towards the top eight.
“There is a really good feeling within the playing group and while we have not won as many games as we would have liked in the first half of the season, there is still plenty of football left this year.”
LeCras would have been a restricted free agent at the end of the season, meaning he could have been feted by a rival club, although West Coast would have had the option of matching any potential offer.
Secured with selection 37 in the 2004 National Draft, LeCras has proven to be a draft bargain and has played 109 games since his 2005 debut.
A player of rare quality, he has the capacity to kick goals from anywhere, and in 2009 and 2010, he was the club’s leading goal-kicker, with 58 and 63 goals respectively.
A popular team member, who missed the entire 2012 campaign with a serious knee injury, this season his output has also been impeded by injury, fracturing his forearm in the opening match against Fremantle.
He returned after missing just one game, but also required a rest ahead of the game against St Kilda because he had been playing under some duress.
List and contracts manager Craig Vozzo said the club was delighted that LeCras had re-signed.
“Obviously having a player of Mark’s ability re-commit to the club for the next four years is a key element of our list management strategy,” Vozzo said. “He is seen as important part of our playing group, both now and into the future.
“As a 26-year-old, despite everything he has already achieved, we believe his best is yet to come.”
