West Coast utility Ryan Maric is set to sign a two-year contract extension to remain at the Eagles until at least the end of 2028.

The West Australian confirmed reports that Maric will remain at the Eagles with a deal imminent, in a boost for the 2023 mid-season draftee.

Maric has played 59 games since he was recruited with pick No.1 more than three years ago, having been plucked out of Box Hill Hawks and Gippsland Power.

The 21-year-old came across as a forward but has developed as both a defender and wingman in his time at Mineral Resources Park, having established himself a mainstay under coach Andrew McQualter.

Speaking to The West Australian last month, Maric said the club and his management had been working on a new deal.

“We are in negotiations, that’s been in the works for a while now,” he said.

“Hopefully, in the near future we can get something done, but I am just trying to focus on my footy at the moment, and that should play out in the background.”

Maric also said he enjoyed the challenge of learning the different positions despite not having settled in one role.

“They knew that coming in, it was one of my strengths, my versatility, being able to play multiple roles,” he said.

“I got drafted as a forward, but I’ve played a bit of wing, and leading up to the draft, I played a bit down back as well.

“The club knew they could play me wherever the team needs. It’s been challenging, but it’s been good learning. I get to learn off each line group, each senior player, so it has been good for my development.”

Maric’s re-signing comes as pre-season sensation Milan Murdock closes in on a new deal.

The mature-age recruit has a two-year deal on the table from the Eagles and The West Australian understands an agreement between the club and his management could be signed off as early as next week.

Murdock has kicked 10 goals in as many games as a pressure forward, but has also been used as a defensive player in attack having tagged the likes of Greater Western Sydney’s Lachie Whitfield and Collingwood’s Josh Daicos in the past month.

The 25-year-old was on a one-year deal as a pre-season supplemental selection having come in for injured small forward Noah Long who is also out of contract.