West Australian defender Lawson Humphries has signed a new deal to stay at Geelong after a remarkable rise from late draft pick to integral finals player.

Humphries’ deal at the Cats was set to expire at the end of next season, but he has signed an extension that will keep him at the club until after 2026.

The Swan Districts product, who played in the club’s reserves finals series in 2022, was taken with the 63rd and very last pick of that year’s draft.

He made his debut against Essendon at the MCG in round 16 and played 11 games for the season, including both of the Cats’ finals against Port Adelaide and Brisbane.

The 21-year-old was the round 18 Rising Star nominee and impressed with his ball use and intercept marking in the back-half of the season.

“Lawson has been extremely impressive in his short time at the club,” Cats general manager of football Andrew Mackie said.

“He has quickly established himself at AFL level with his disposal and ability to make good decisions.”

Humphries was one of four Cats to sign new deals on Wednesday, with Jed Bews, Ted Cloesy and Jake Kolodjashnij also putting pen to paper.