West Coast defender Tom Barrass believes extending the AFL career of veteran Shannon Hurn will play a vital role in developing the club's generation next.
The Eagles waved goodbye to champion forward Josh Kennedy on Sunday and big calls will now need to be made on the club's other ageing stars.
Captain Luke Shuey, ruckman Nic Naitanui, forward Willie Rioli and Hurn are all out of contract.
Hurn turns 35 next month and looked to be in the most danger of being cut as the club embarks on a rebuild.
But the former skipper's stunning form this season, in which he has averaged 22 disposals and 7.5 marks per game, means he is now expected to earn a one-year extension.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson says he will sit down with Hurn at the end of the season to talk about the future, but Barrass is keen to see his teammate play on.
"He's super important, he's the bar, and he's a true master of his craft," Barrass said on Tuesday.
"I couldn't speak highly enough of Shannon Hurn and I think it's really important to have someone like him around the footy club over this next period of time."
It remains to be seen how West Coast rebound from Kennedy's emotional send-off last week and they'll start as huge underdogs in Saturday night's western derby against Fremantle.
The sixth-placed Dockers need to win in order to keep their top-four hopes alive, but they'll be without forward Matt Taberner who will miss at least two weeks with a calf injury.
Small forward Sam Switkowski is a chance to return from a back injury.
Fremantle received a boost on Tuesday when defender Heath Chapman signed for a further three years, tying him to the club until the end of 2027.
Chapman has become a key cog in Fremantle's backline this season, with his spoil on the line in round one against Adelaide helping the Dockers hold on for a one-point victory.
"Fremantle are in a really good spot," Chapman said in a statement.
"There's some very exciting times to look forward to but we're focused on the now and will finish off the rest of the season strong."
