Glass, Rosa sign on

Skipper Darren Glass and wingman Matt Rosa, two of the stars of West Coast’s emphatic victory in Sunday’s Western Derby, have this week signed contract extensions with the club.

Rosa, who won the Ross Glendinning Medal for a best-on-ground 43-possession performance against Fremantle, and Glass, who was runner-up in the voting after an outstanding display in the last line of defence, both represent key signings for the club.

West Coast will not release the length of the contract extensions, but is delighted to secure players who will have a strong say in how far the Eagles advance in the 2012 campaign.

Glass could lay claim to being the most influential captain in club history since John Worsfold and has offered the playing group outstanding direction since taking on the captaincy at the end of the 2007 season.

A three-time Club Champion and All-Australian, Glass was superb on Sunday, particularly in the first half when Fremantle were on top in the balance of play and he consistently won his one-on-one battle against various opponents.

A skipper who offers great direction for his teammates, his decision to continue beyond 2012 is a tremendous fillip for the club.

“I am enjoying being around this team and playing my role within it,” Glass said today. “I would like to continue to play my role in the evolution of the squad for as long as I think I have something to contribute.

“It’s a pretty exciting time at the football club and we are all enjoying the development of the younger players, who have helped to re-energise the senior players. We have a good mix and are optimistic about the future.”

The 228-game veteran is a selfless leader and has said consistently in the last couple of years that he would continue as long as he felt he was deserving of his position.

Rosa, 25, is one of the quiet achievers in the squad, but as evidenced by Sunday’s performance, is one of the team’s key play-makers. He has now played 116 senior games and was undoubtedly missed when he could not play in last year’s finals series.

One of the most efficient ball distributors, he played the first 18 games last season before suffering a knee injury and although he fought bravely to be fit for the September action, ran out of time.

“It’s good to have the contract sorted so that I can concentrate purely on playing football in the second half of the season,” Rosa said. “We have a great mix of senior, mid-range and younger players in our group at the moment and it’s an exciting time to be a football club.”

West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett said it was important to secure two vital members of the playing squad.

“Both Darren and Matt have played a significant part of our resurgence over the past 18 months and we look forward to them continuing to play their part in the bigger picture targets for the club,” Nisbett said.

“Obviously, Darren has been a wonderful leader for our club and has provided valuable guidance for the younger guys, both on and off field, over the last few seasons. To have him commit beyond this season is fantastic for the club and particularly the playing group as he is a leader of rare quality.

“Matt has been a terrific contributor to the club as well and is now a very mature and consistent player who is a leader in his own right and who has enormous respect across the club.”

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