Perth back Spalding with two year extension

Earl Spalding will remain at the helm of Perth's senior playing group until the end of 2019 at least after signing a two year extension on Thursday.

Spalding's current contract was due to expire at season's end after coming on for three years at the beginning of 2015.

However, according to Football Operations Manager Dale Ballantyne, the club believe Spalding is capable of delivering long awaited on field success over the next two years.

"We believe that Earl, with the game plan and a fit list, will be able to guide us in to finals footy," Ballantyne said.

"Our first goal is to play finals footy in 2018."

Spalding has only led the Demons to victory on 13 occasions from 51 games as senior coach, however Ballantyne acknowledged that senior player availability has not been at a premium during Spalding's time at the helm.

Senior players Jared Bell, Cody Leggett, Sam Garstone, Spencer White, Michael Sinclair, Liam McKenna, Brant Colledge, Brent Latch, Lennon Marlin, Laine Wilkins, Kristian Cary and Jarrad Irons have all missed three or more of Perth's first 11 games.

"Earl's done a great job with all the young blokes, but we need to give him the chance to coach a fit, healthy, senior list," Ballantyne said.

"There's a belief that with Earl's personality, his drive, his committment, his enthusiasm and passion for the footy club, along with the coaching group that's underneath him, are the right people to take us forward.

"We need some stability around the club."

Ballantyne also said assistant coachees Garry Moss, Chance Bateman and Michael Pratt have all verbally committed to going on again in 2018.

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