The Western Force will fancy their chances of cracking through for a maiden finals berth next season after convincing star Wallabies back James O'Connor to remain at the Perth-based Super Rugby franchise.

O'Connor is set to stay at the Force for at least one more season, with the deal to be formally announced after he finalises his contract with the Australian Rugby Union.

The 20-year-old's management team has already told the Queensland Reds, ACT Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels that he will not be coming their way, while NSW Waratahs were never in the hunt.

The 12th-placed Force have posted just four wins and two draws from 14 games this season, with their inability to close out a host of tight games costing them any chance of finals action.

But with key forwards David Pocock, Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe, Sam Wykes and Salesi Ma'afu locked in for next season, and a backline featuring O'Connor, Brett Sheehan, Cameron Shepherd and Nick Cummins, the Force are well positioned to finally break through for a finals berth in 2012.