Three shining lights from a difficult 2022 campaign who are expected to be integral to the club’s immediate and short-term future have signed new deals at the West Coast Eagles.

Emerging defender Rhett Bazzo, drafted less than 12 months ago, had already signed for the 2023 season but has committed for a further two years, locking him in as part of the club’s rebuild to the end of 2025.

Rebounding defender Jamaine Jones and young ruckman-forward Callum Jamieson have also extended. 

Secured with selection #37 in last year’s draft, Bazzo, 18, played nine games in his first season and showed poise and class in a defensive unit that was often under pressure.

Learning from the likes of Club Champion Tom Barrass, four-time all-Australian Jeremy McGovern and premiership captain Shannon Hurn, Bazzo showed strong growth in his debut season.

Rhett Bazzo

Jones, originally a forward/midfielder, was converted into a rebounding defender where his pace and foot skills helped to generate offence from the back half as he enjoyed his best season in senior football.

Secured in 2020 after being de-listed by Geelong, Jones has played 35 games for the club – including 18 this season. A measure of his impact in a tough season was that he finished ninth in the Club Champion Award announced last week.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 20: Jamaine Jones of the Eagles handballs during the round 23 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the West Coast Eagles at GMHBA Stadium on August 20, 2022 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Martin Keep/AFL Photos)

Rangy ruckman Jamieson made his debut in the round two match against North Melbourne when the Eagles were forced to call on every available player – and a handful of top ups – at a time when the injury and COVID crisis peaked.

Jamieson played nine games and acquitted himself well when Nic Naitanui was sidelined for a large chunk of the season, teaming with Bailey Williams to share the ruck responsibilities.

He proved to be highly competitive despite conceding size to most opponents and won many fans within the Eagles supporter base.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 15: Callum Jamieson of the Eagles lines up a kick on goal during the 2022 AFL Round 09 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Melbourne Demons at Optus Stadium on May 15, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos)

National Recruiting Manager Rohan O’Brien said it was pleasing to lock away three important players on the club’s list.

“All three showed great upside during the course of this year and we’re looking forward to what they offer in coming seasons,” O’Brien said. “Obviously we rated Rhett highly when we drafted him last year and believe he will develop into a very good AFL player.

“Jamaine was a real positive in playing a rebounding role off half back while we’re confident Cal’s competitive streak will see him continue to develop.”