Rosa pushes for new Eagles deal
Matt Rosa says he wants to remain an Eagle for life and could sign a new contract before Saturday’s western derby.
The 27-year-old will bring up his 150th AFL game and qualify for life membership at West Coast when he runs out against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium in five days’ time.
The Victorian-born wingman, who is out of contract at the end of this year, has told the club he wants to commit to them and remain in WA for 2015 and beyond.
“It could be this week,” Rosa said of re-signing.
“(But) it could be three or four weeks. That’s why I’ve got a manager. He’s handling all of that.
“I’ve just been focusing on playing footy and getting my body right each weekend. I don’t really like worrying about those sorts of things. I’ll just wait for his call.
“I’ve indicated to the club that I’d like to be a one-club player. Hopefully it gets sorted.”
Rosa amassed a game-high 37 disposals in yesterday’s 33-point win over St Kilda at Etihad Stadium in a return to his strong form from the first month of the season.
He is averaging 25 disposals a game this year and is behind only Matt Priddis in terms of midfield output.
“My body’s feeling the best it has in a long time,” Rosa said.
“I’m probably back to where I was a couple of years ago. I’ve had a pretty good run at it and that was the most important thing.
“Last year it was quite tough not being able to get out on the training track as much as I’d like.
“I was always confident that if I got my body right I’d be able to get back to some good form.”
Rosa said the club was facing two great challenges over the next fortnight in top-four sides Fremantle and Sydney.
“They’re obviously two very good sides,” Rosa said.
“We’re going to need to be at our best.
“We really took the game on yesterday. Sometimes we probably over used the handball ... that’s probably our biggest focus at the moment, that when we’re in possession, making sure we’re using the ball well.
“It feels like we’re making inroads, but we’ve still got a little bit to go.”
