West Coast have confirmed injured forward Liam Ryan has re-signed with the club for a further two years, locking the premiership Eagle in until the end of the 2026 season.
Ryan, who is set to start his rehabilitation from a recent hamstring injury, initially agreed to the new contract prior to the Christmas break and before his recent setback.
The club confirmed the signing of, and pending AFL approval for, the renewed contract on Monday evening that will see Ryan extend through to nine seasons with the Eagles.
โAs we do with all contracts we wait for the formal approval from the AFL which we expect in coming days,โ West Coast football boss Gavin Bell said in a club statement.
โUnfortunately, Liam suffered a significant hamstring injury that required surgery in the first session after the break.
โWe expect Liam to begin the first phase of his rehabilitation by returning to light duties this week and we anticipate he will be available in the early rounds of the season.
โWhile the injury is disappointing in the short term, our club believes Liam has much to offer over the next three years and look forward to having him back as a key member of our team.โ
Ryan's latest ailment comes after a season that was significantly hindered by a hamstring issue, with the small forward managing just three games for the year.
His expected return timeframe is set for the early rounds of the home and away season, with the 27-year-old to miss his side's upcoming practice match hitouts against Fremantle and Adelaide.
The Eagles will open their 2024 season against Port Adelaide on Sunday, March 17 at Adelaide Oval.
