West Coast are expected to have a fight on their hands to retain an in-form premiership midfielder.
Star Eagle Elliot Yeo is without a deal beyond the 2024 season and has returned to top form to start the new campaign, likely pushing his asking price up when negotiations progress.
Yeo signed a five-year deal with West Coast late into 2017 and would add another term to that contract during 2022 to come off-contract this year.
During that time he has played just 91 matches under Adam Simpson, having faced numerous injury setbacks and concerns over the past several seasons.
Returning for Round 1 this year for the first time since the 2020 season, Yeo has returned to the level of form that saw him claim two All-Australian selections, two best and fairests and a premiership with the Eagles.
While West Coast have been buoyed by the East Fremantle product's scintillating start to 2024, where he sits fourth in the AFLCA voting, Yeo is reportedly being chased by multiple rivals ahead of his looming contract call.
According toย AFL.com.au, clubs are 'strongly pursuing' Yeo's signature, with the midfielder eligible for free agency this year.
The publication suggests both Geelong and Essendon were interested in the 30-year-old last year despite his contract status, with clubs likely to have shown interest at a time when the Eagles turned their attention to youth and gaining draft capital.
Losing Yeo to free agency would likely still mean West Coast gain compensation for his departure, should he choose to depart the club he joined from Brisbane in 2013.
Clubs keen to bolster their midfield that are in finals contention would certainly suit a chase for Yeo, with St Kilda, Adelaide, Geelong and Collingwood potentially the clubs that are expressing an interest.
If Yeo can stay fit and keep up his form, he could be on the end of sizeable offers from circling clubs, while the Eagles will need to weigh up whether to re-sign the local onballer or looking to further add to their draft hand.
Yeo has also emerged as a mentor for No.1 pick Harley Reid, who firms as a critical piece in the club's long-term planning.
The Eagles also have Liam Duggan, Andrew Gaff, Jamaine Jones, Josh Rotham and Zane Trew as free agents in 2024, while Jai Culley, Alex Witherden and Harry Barnett are among those without deals beyond this season.
