West Coast have signed young AFL forward Ben McKinley to a new contract.

McKinley's emergence as a potent forward this season, after 42 goals from 18 games - the most by any Eagle - made him hot property in his home state of Victoria, where he reportedly attracted interest from Carlton.

But the Eagles moved quickly to re-sign the 21-year-old, who finished sixth in the Rising Star award.

West Coast football operations general manager Steve Woodhouse said the Eagles were delighted to secure McKinley.

"Ben enjoyed an outstanding year to be our leading goal-kicker and we believe he is an important part of our future," he said.

"To do that in his first full season of senior football was a terrific achievement and something on which we believe he can build."

The Eagles would not disclose the length of McKinley's new contract.

He played one game in 2007.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP