Lucky 13 for Priddis with Eagles in AFL

Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis will play for a 13th AFL season after signing a one-year contract extension at West Coast.

Matt Priddis

Matt Priddis will play for a 13th AFL season after signing a one-year contract extension. (AAP)

West Coast have opted to retain Matt Priddis next year, placing faith in the veteran midfielder to work through his recent form slump.

The 2014 Brownlow medallist will play on for a 13th season after signing a one-year contract extension.

A fierce competitor whose ball-winning ability has helped him overcome deficiencies in other areas, 32-year-old Priddis is on track for a career-low in clearances this season.

He is also averaging his lowest disposal and tackle numbers since 2012, with coach Adam Simpson playing him in a forward role at times.

Priddis underwent back surgery during the off-season but says his body is in good condition as the seventh-placed Eagles regroup from a bruising start to the season.

"We were always making sure, first and foremost, that the body was feeling good," he told the Eagles' website.

"Mentally I'm wanting to improve, I am always looking to get better, and I am really pleased to get the contract done at this time of the year.

"We have a good blend of experience and youth coming through and I am really enjoying that."

The tough midfielder's lack of speed and finesse meant he was overlooked for several years before being selected by West Coast as a mature-aged rookie in 2005.

Priddis has shared midfield duties this season with another Brownlow medallist in Sam Mitchell, who joined the Eagles from Hawthorn in a shock off-season trade.

With the Eagles badly lacking pace in their midfield, it is unclear whether 34-year-old Mitchell will join Priddis in playing on next year or step straight into an assistant coaching role.

West Coast must also make a call on forward Mark LeCras, who is off-contract at the end of the year.

The 30-year-old is a former All-Australian and club best-and-fairest but has faced scrutiny for his patchy recent form.


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Source: AAP



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