Darcy Moore has received strong support from coach Craig McRae as a future Collingwood captain after his monster AFL re-signing.
The 26-year-old key position player is likely to finish as a one-club player after committing to the Magpies for six years.
Moore was coming out of contract at the end of this season and loomed as a high-profile free agent.
It is a major show of faith in the club and McRae, who is three games into his senior coaching career.
Moore also became a vice-captain for the first time this season.
While fellow vice-captain Taylor Adams is probably the most likely player to take over when Scott Pendlebury gives up the captaincy, McRae rates Moore's leadership qualities.
"No doubting that ... we have many guys who could step up and take over from Pendles," McRae said.
"Darcy is a vice-captain for a reason, because the players have voted for him.
"He definitely has leadership, captain qualities ahead of him, no doubt."
McRae said Moore's new deal was an important show of faith in the team, which remains an unknown quantity under the new coach.
"It's nice to get some affirmation that players want to play with us longer-term," McRae said.
"Darcy is an important part of our jigsaw puzzle going forward.
"We're trying to win now and then obviously try to win for the future and Darcy's signing is a big part of that."
Moore, who has played 105 games and is an All-Australian, said he likes what the future brings at Collingwood.
"With a new coaching group and young squad, we are creating strong foundations for the future - this is exciting to be a part of," he said.
Collingwood have made an encouraging 2-1 start under McRae and pushed Geelong last weekend.
They will start favourites on Saturday at Marvel Stadium against West Coast, who have been ravaged by COVID-19 protocols.
But Eagles star Andrew Gaff said the spirit at their club remains strong and the Magpies will be without Adams (health and safety) and fellow star Jordan De Goey (suspension).
"They're significant outs for us - we don't have those sort of quality players in the background just waiting to come back in," McRae said.
"But ... we do have guys ready to play roles.
"We have a number of VFL guys playing really, really well."
He added they would be treating the Eagles with due respect.
"We know they've had some issues with their playing list ... that's never easy," he said.
"But we always plan for their best and their pressure is right up there right now - they are one of the best pressure teams in the competition."
