Up-and-coming West Coast winger Sam Allen has committed to a one-year contract extension with the club amid an injury-marred first season at the top level.

Allen was drafted by the Eagles out of Oakleigh Chargers with the 29th selection in last year’s draft and arrived still on the mend from an ACL injury suffered in his final season of underage football.

As he was closing in on a potential return at the midway point of the season, he suffered a high-grade hamstring injury which required surgery.

The 19-year-old has not yet been ruled out of playing a game in 2026. The club’s injury update on Tuesday listed his estimated return timeline at five weeks, although only six remain in their campaign unless they can secure what would be a miracle berth in the wildcard round.

Allen said the decision to extend his stay at West Coast was not difficult.

“There’s so much to look forward to with this group and I’m so excited to play a part in shaping the next few years,” Allen said.

“The players and staff have welcomed me with open arms and the move over has been such a positive experience.

“I can’t wait to attack the next few years with hard work and dedication and continue driving towards a successful future.”

West Coast’s head of list management and recruiting Matt Clarke said Allen had remained dedicated and diligent throughout a tough year.

“While we understand Sam has had a frustrating season due to injury, we have great confidence in his future and see him as an important long-term prospect for our club,” Clarke said.

“His professionalism, resilience and commitment throughout this period have been outstanding, and we look forward to seeing him continue to develop and contribute in the years ahead.”

The three players West Coast drafted ahead of Allen last year — No.1 pick Willem Duursma, No.4 selection Cooper Duff-Tytler and Josh Lindsay, who was taken at No.19 — are yet to extend their contracts with the Eagles.

But as first-round draft picks, they signed three-year deals when they arrived at the club, rather than the two-year commitments made by players picked up in the second round onwards.