Top-flight defender and midfielder Elliot Yeo has signed a long-term deal with the West Coast Eagles that will keep him based in Perth until the end of the 2023 AFL season.
He earned an extension via his play in the 2017 Toyota AFL Premiership competition. Just 24, Yeo is coming off his best season and was partially responsible for the Eagles making the final eight last season, although West Coast may still need to bolster their list at some of the other positions. Yeo set his career marks in many important categories, in some cases, by substantial margins. He had over 500 disposals and he had his best year for kicks and marks, maybe finally rising to his potential and showing his relief at being free of the Lions.
Yeo was named to the All-Australian team for 2017 and he was the club’s best and fairest, earning for Yeo the John Worsfold Medal.
His most outstanding characteristic, however, is that he shares his October 1 birthday with us.
Yeo told the Herald Sun, “It’s a great feeling to have the contract settled at this early stage so I can concentrate on the pre-season and preparing for 2018. When I came to the club four years ago it was about being around my family and that has definitely helped me both on and off-field.I have really enjoyed being home and the club has been great for me.It’s a really exciting time for the club with so much happening … and a very different looking squad. We’ve brought in a lot of new players over the last couple of years and I look forward to being a part of the new era.”
Yeo was selected by the Brisbane Lions with the 15th pick of the 2013 AFL draft and requested the trade that took him home at the end of the 2015 season.
Yeo still has his best footy ahead of him, according to Eagles footy boss Craig Vozzo.
Good luck Yeo and we will be thinking about you if and when we next blow out the candles on our birthday cake.
