Milan Murdock insists the hunger which drove his rise from WAFL footballer to breakout West Coast star will remain, despite now having the security of a longer-term contract.

Last week, the Eagles announced the 25-year-old — who was only signed out of East Fremantle days before the supplemental selection period deadline — had extended his deal until the conclusion of the 2028 season.

Murdock marked his AFL debut by being one of his new side’s best performers their round one loss to Gold Coast, winning 22 disposals and kicking two goals.

And he has gone on to instantly establish himself as an important contributor for the Eagles, having made a seamless transition into a defensive forward role in recent weeks.

When asked if his drive would at all dissipate after locking in at least another pair of seasons as an AFL footballer, Murdock was quick to shoot down the prospect.

“That’s even more of a driver for me,” Murdock said.

“I just want to pay back this club. They’ve signed me for another two years, I couldn’t be more grateful.

“I just want to be the best player I can and get the most out of this experience.”

Despite Murdock’s stunning start to life as an AFL footballer, the Eagles did not open contract negotiations with his management until recent weeks.

But he said his mind had not once drifted to what life would be like at another club while he was made to wait for discussions to begin.

“They didn’t pick me up in the last eight years and finally, West Coast did, so I was never going to go anywhere,” Murdock said.

Over the bye last weekend, Murdock said he had used his break to take stock of what had been a whirlwind year.

“It was good to reflect on life in the last six months, just how crazy it is (to go from) working full-time as an electrician to being able to sign for another two years at this great club,” he said.

“It’s something I’ll look back on at the end of my career and just be super grateful for. I’m super blessed to be where I am.

“I think I’ve been pretty ready for the last eight years. It’s been so good to get my chance at the start of the year.”

West Perth star Kane Bevan has been among the WAFL’s premier players to say they have been left in inspired by Murdock’s rapid rise.

The three-time Simpson medallist said he was happy to provide an example of the talent below the elite level — and he pointed to two of his friends in East Fremantle’s Jack Cleaver and Claremont’s Zac Mainwaring as prime examples of State league players who would be deserving of AFL opportunities.

“There’s obviously been Tim Kelly, Shaun Mannagh — a lot of these guys that have got drafted at 25-years plus,” Murdock said.

“If I can inspire them, then that’s awesome.

“There’s definitely a big chance, they’ve just got to keep working at it.”