Nic Nat knocks 'em back, West Coast is his home

Nic Nat


The marquee big man ended months of speculation by signing a new five-year deal with the Eagles which was announced on Wednesday.


It’s understood the 24-year-old will earn about $800,000 per season.



However AFL greats such as Brad Hardie, Scott Lucas and Tony Shaw have all said Naitanui, who has struggled for form for ninth-placed West Coast, doesn't deserve such a significant paycheck.



The 24-year-old denied widespread talk surrounding his impending contract had been a distraction, saying injury had instead been a major contributor to his poor season.



The 2012 All-Australian, who has battled groin problems for the past 18 months, revealed he had pulled up sore from games earlier this year.



“It’s great to sign a new contract, which allows me to now just concentrate on playing footy,” Naitanui said.

“As I said the other day, I have from the very start of this said I was not going to go anywhere.

“The West Coast Eagles is my home. The club has been good to me from the time I got here and I love it here. It’s like family.

“I thoroughly enjoy being a part of the playing group and I reckon we are getting close to real success.”



Eagles football manager Craig Vozzo said the club was delighted that Naitanui had finally put pen to paper and was confident he would return to his best form quickly.



“As a young 201cm ruckman, we believe we are yet to see the best of Nic Naitanui and we are excited that he will continue to evolve his career at West Coast,” Vozzo said.

“He is a quality individual as well as an outstanding player and has won enormous respect in his time at the club."

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