West Coast have locked away a key piece for their new era, with important defender Reuben Ginbey inking a three-year contract extension.

Ginbey was already signed on for next season, but will now be tied to the Eagles until the end of 2030, when he will qualify as a free agent.

The 21-year-old has not only established himself as one of the AFL’s best key backmen in the past 18 months under coach Andrew McQualter, but has also been touted as a potential future skipper, having been added to the leadership group this year.

Ginbey had a career-best season in 2025, finishing second to recruit Liam Baker in the John Worsfold Medal as club champion and is on track to win it this year as a top contender alongside Harley Reid.

“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.”

Ginbey was drafted out of East Perth with pick No.9 in 2022, starting his career as a half-back and midfielder, before last year making the transition to under-sized key back.

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.

Eagles list boss Matt Clarke said Ginbey had only scratched 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.”