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Cleary & Smith commit to the Kennel
The duo have re-signed with the Club on fresh deals.
By Western Bulldogs Media
Just now
Bulldogs’ youngsters Luke Cleary and Lachlan Smith will remain in the red, white and blue into the future after committing to the Kennel on new deals.
Cleary, 23, has signed for two more seasons, extending him until the end of the 2027 season.
The defender has played an important role so far this campaign, averaging 13 touches across his eight matches for the Bulldogs’ senior side.
The former Sandringham Dragon was taken at Pick 61 in the 2021 AFL National Draft, playing 15 AFL games after his debut in 2022.
Ruckman Lachlan Smith has signed a one-year contract extension at Mission Whitten Oval, remaining with the Club until at least the end of the 2026 season.
Yet to debut at a senior level, Smith has shown positive signs for Footscray VFL in 2025.
Often taking on solo ruck responsibilities, the 19 year old, has averaged 36 hitouts and 15 disposals from his eight games this year, while also sneaking forward to kick four goals.
Bulldogs Executive Manager – Men’s Football, Sam Power was pleased to have the talented duo locked away for future seasons.
“While both Luke and Lachlan are relatively early in their football journey, both have shown traits that can help the Club moving forward,” Power said.
“Luke has taken a step forward in 2025, playing reliable football in the senior side as a defender, with plenty of upside given his age and talent.”
“Lachlan continues to grow in his role as a ruckman, showing great durability in the VFL program to back up each week as the sole big man.
“We’re excited to continue to watch him grow.”
The duo join Rory Lobb and Ed Richards as AFL players who have committed to the red, white and blue in the past month.
The duo have re-signed with the Club on fresh deals.
By Western Bulldogs Media
Just now
Bulldogs’ youngsters Luke Cleary and Lachlan Smith will remain in the red, white and blue into the future after committing to the Kennel on new deals.
Cleary, 23, has signed for two more seasons, extending him until the end of the 2027 season.
The defender has played an important role so far this campaign, averaging 13 touches across his eight matches for the Bulldogs’ senior side.
The former Sandringham Dragon was taken at Pick 61 in the 2021 AFL National Draft, playing 15 AFL games after his debut in 2022.
Ruckman Lachlan Smith has signed a one-year contract extension at Mission Whitten Oval, remaining with the Club until at least the end of the 2026 season.
Yet to debut at a senior level, Smith has shown positive signs for Footscray VFL in 2025.
Often taking on solo ruck responsibilities, the 19 year old, has averaged 36 hitouts and 15 disposals from his eight games this year, while also sneaking forward to kick four goals.
Bulldogs Executive Manager – Men’s Football, Sam Power was pleased to have the talented duo locked away for future seasons.
“While both Luke and Lachlan are relatively early in their football journey, both have shown traits that can help the Club moving forward,” Power said.
“Luke has taken a step forward in 2025, playing reliable football in the senior side as a defender, with plenty of upside given his age and talent.”
“Lachlan continues to grow in his role as a ruckman, showing great durability in the VFL program to back up each week as the sole big man.
“We’re excited to continue to watch him grow.”
The duo join Rory Lobb and Ed Richards as AFL players who have committed to the red, white and blue in the past month.
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