West Coast ruckman Bailey Williams has committed his long-term future to the Eagles after signing a six-year contract extension.

Amid a career-best season, Williams has turned his back on free agency to sign on until the end of 2032.

“Obviously super excited and honoured to be able to sign on at this great footy club. It’s a great thing and I’m excited to stick around,” Williams said.

“I never really thought of leaving. I’ve been here for eight years now, drafted out of home at 18 years old and I feel like West Coast is home for me, so I didn’t feel the need to look elsewhere.”

Williams has taken his game to another level in 2026, showcasing his prodigious leap, strong marking and ruck craft.

His ability to generate momentum from centre ball ups has been a significant factor for the Eagles’ midfield improvement.

Under the tutelage of ruck coach Nic Naitanui this year, Williams ranks sixth for clearances (5.4) and seventh for centre clearances (2.1) among AFL rucks, while averaging 28.4 hit outs (AFL No.8).

Williams played his 100^th match in round 17 and is entering the prime years of his career after being recruited from Dandenong with pick 35 in the 2018 AFL Draft.

“I feel like my game has gone to another level. I can’t put it down to one thing, but obviously the new ruck rule helps,” he said.

“I did have a bit of an interrupted pre-season, but I feel like the work I did to get back and play footy has held me in good stead, and a bit of maturity.

“I’m 26 now, I did the hard yards as a young ruck for a while and footy is starting to feel fun and I’m really enjoying it.”

Head of List Management and Recruiting Matt Clarke was thrilled to secure Williams’ future in blue and gold.

The 201cm big man’s re-signing follows recent extensions for Reuben Ginbey, Elijah Hewett and Archer Reid (all until 2030) plus Milan Murdock, Ryan Maric and Sam Allen (all 2028).

“Bailey is a really important signing for our football Club,” Clarke said. 

“While free agency always presents opportunities and challenges, both Bailey and the Club were keen to secure this partnership for the long term.

“He has enjoyed a strong season and recently celebrated his 100th game for the Club, which is a terrific achievement.

“We feel Bailey has developed into a genuine lead ruckman who can help drive this group forward over the coming years.

“He's continued to grow his game each season, and we're excited to see where his development and trajectory can take him as he enters the prime of his career.”