Rosa agrees new Eagles deal
West Coast wingman Matt Rosa has signed a new two-year deal with the club, avoiding the lure of free agency at the end of the season.
Victorian native Rosa, 27, was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after 10 years and 150 games for the Eagles, with questions raised about whether he would return to his home state.
However West Coast this morning announced a new deal had been finalised to keep him at the club through to the end of the 2016 season.
Rosa has struggled with injury over the course of his decade at the club, missing a number of finals as a result, but has played all but one game this season.
He told the club’s website it was the possibility of future success under new coach Adam Simpson which eventually swayed his decision.
“I was here in 2005 and 2006 when the club played in grand finals and won a premiership and I have been around for some other exciting finals campaigns,” he said.
“I am confident we can build towards that with this group and I want to be a part of it.
“As a senior player, I believe I have an important role to play at the club and I have great faith in the playing and coaching groups.
“Adam Simpson is in his first year as senor coach and he has changed a few things, with the game plan and training.
“It is taking a little bit of time for us to get on the same page with all of that, but we are certainly moving in the right direction.
“I have been here for 10 years and it definitely feels like home. It also feels like there’s some unfinished business.”
West Coast football operations manager Craig Vozzo said the club were delighted with securing the midfielder’s signature.
“He has been an integral member of the team for a decade and, aside from what he offers on-field, he is highly regarded within the playing group,” he said.
“As a free agent he had a number of options, but we’re pleased he’s staying and he is an important part of our future.”
Rosa’s new deal leaves Dean Cox as the only West Coast listed player still eligible for free agency this year.
