The West Coast Eagles have secured a key pillar of the Club’s future with star defender Reuben Ginbey signing a three-year contract extension.

Already contracted for next season, Ginbey has recommitted to the Eagles until the end of 2030.

Selected with pick No.9 in the 2022 draft, Ginbey has developed into one of the AFL’s standout key defenders, regularly tasked with taking on the opposition’s most dangerous forward.

The 21-year-old was runner-up in the 2025 John Worsfold Medal and was elevated into the leadership group this season - a reflection of his standing on and off the field at West Coast.

“I’m just so grateful to the Club for putting a lot of faith in me as a first-round pick four years ago, so to sign on until 2030 I couldn’t be more happy,” Ginbey said.

“I think over the last month we’ve really shown the footy we’re building.

“Looking forward now with the exciting group we’ve got, the sky is the limit for us with what we can build over the next three to four years with this young developing group.”

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The sky's the limit for us: Ginbey

We chat to Reuben Ginbey about his contract extension, development as a player and the bright future ahead at West Coast.

Ginbey was named the Eagles’ Best Defensive Player after being settled in the backline by coach Andrew McQualter last year, and he has only lost three of his 33 defensive one-on-one contests this season.

The Dunsborough product is also ranked equal fifth in the AFL for intercept possessions (91) and seventh for intercept marks (28) as he continues to develop his rebound game.

Head of List Management and Recruiting Matt Clarke was thrilled to extend Ginbey’s contract, with the 75-gamer still scratching the surface of his potential.

“Reuben is an outstanding person and footballer who we rate incredibly highly, so we’re delighted to extend his contract until the end of 2030,” Clarke said.

“Since Andrew settled him in the backline we have seen Reuben elevate his game and he takes on every challenge with fierce determination and will to win.

“He is the type of character, leader and defender we can build around for the future and, at just 21, we know there is significant growth still ahead of him.

“We’re excited to see Reuben continue his progress.”