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Staying or going? The latest intel and verdict on every Western Bulldogs player ahead of 2026
The Bulldogs were one of footy’s most exciting teams in 2025, and looked every bit a premiership contender — until they weren’t. We run the rule over their list to identify what needs to change.
The Bulldogs were one of footy’s most exciting teams in 2025, and looked every bit a premiership contender throughout the year.
But defensive concerns, their perfomances against the AFL’s elite and a round 24 shocker against Fremantle left them on the outside-looking-in when September started.
What needs to change? Who needs to go? Who will? We break down their full list.
1. ADAM TRELOAR
Age: 32 Games: 258 (4 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
The confusing saga between Treloar and the Bulldogs ended last week when all parties agreed on a one-year deal which will soon be announced. It’ll be the first year Collingwood isn’t paying part of the midfielder’s salary.
Verdict: Staying
2. JAMARRA UGLE-HAGAN
Age: 23 Games: 67 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Contracted for next year, but no one expects him to be at the kennel. A fall from grace since rebuffing monster rival offers to sign a two-year deal at the Bulldogs in 2024. Whether a rival gives Ugle-Hagan a chance remains to be seen.
Verdict: Going
3. CODY WEIGHTMAN
Age: 24 Games: 76 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
A rough run of luck for Weightman, needing kneecap surgery in February with the hope he made a return by the midway point of the season. He had further surgery in May to try to fix the issue, ruling him out for the season without playing a game.
Verdict: Staying
4. MARCUS BONTEMPELLI
Age: 29 Games: 258 (18 in 2025) Contract ends: 2029
A pre-season injury didn’t stop one of the AFL’s best players – making the All Australian side with just 18 games.
Verdict: Staying
5. JEDD BUSSLINGER
Age: 21 Games: 7 (7 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Broke through for his debut and generally looked good – considering he’s a young key defender in a weaker defensive unit. Contracted for next season and the club will be eager to continue to expose him next year.
Verdict: Staying
6. COOPER HYNES
Age: 19 Games: 8 (8 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
Hynes was in and out of the senior side, and often was used as the substitute, but Hynes showed plenty of promise in his maiden season.
Verdict: Staying
7. RORY LOBB
Age: 32 Games: 199 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
Lobb was a mainstay in the defensive unit, but he needs assistance alongside him as he’s a better intercepting defender rather than a lockdown tall.
Verdict: Staying
8. MATTHEW KENNEDY
Age: 28 Games: 141 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
What a steal for the Bulldogs. Kennedy came across from Carlton and was a constant in the midfield and forward rotation with his new side.
Verdict: Staying
9. RYLEY SANDERS
Age: 20 Games: 35 (21 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Sanders was a consistent feature in the senior side, but was a surprise omission for the last game of the season against Fremantle. He comes out of contract next season and will be closely watched by Tasmania if he doesn’t re-sign.
Verdict: Staying
10. SAM DARCY
Age: 22 Games: 45 (17 in 2025) Contract ends: 2029
Fans across Australia held their collective breath when Darcy went down with a knee injury. Thankfully it was relatively minor for one of the league’s most exciting young talents.
Verdict: Staying
11. LACHIE JAQUES
Age: 19 Games: 0 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
The draftee spent time playing both in defence and up forward with great success. He booted 11 goals, including three games with two majors, while also averaging almost 17 touches a game.
Verdict: Staying
12. HARVEY GALLAGHER
Age: 21 Games: 25 (5 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Still has a contract for 2026, but a foot injury limited his campaign this season. He played 19 games in his second year for the club, so has shown he’s best 23 when he’s fit.
Verdict: Staying
13. OSKAR BAKER
Age: 27 Games: 48 (9 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Subjected to a long run in the VFL, where he has helped Footscray to a grand final. But the emergence of several younger bounding Bulldogs off half back and the wing have limited his role.
Verdict: Going
14. RHYLEE WEST
Age: 25 Games: 81 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
West has quietly developed into a damaging medium forward, kicking a career-high 39 goals in 2025 – and 64 in his past two seasons.
Verdict: Staying
15. TAYLOR DURYEA
Age: 34 Games: 219 (5 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
The two-time premiership player announced his retirement last month. He missed the VFL preliminary final against Box Hill through suspension.
Verdict: Gone
16. JORDAN CROFT
Age: 20 Games: 2 (2 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
The athletic key utility has morphed into a massive point-of-difference at the Bulldogs, being used on the wing despite standing at 201cm tall. He broke through for a debut and played a couple of senior games.
Verdict: Staying
17. NICK COFFIELD
Age: 25 Games: 64 (4 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Struggled to break into the senior side despite the team’s need for a mature key defender. He is a high-quality VFL player but struggles to impact when he steps up.
Verdict: Going
18. JAMES O’DONNELL
Age: 23 Games: 48 (22 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
The former cricketer has blossomed into a star defender for the Bulldogs, but he isn’t going to turn into one capable of locking down the behemoths of the league. But he’s going to be a very good third tall.
Verdict: Staying
19. LIAM JONES
Age: 34 Games: 205 (5 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Jones fell out of favour as a key defender in a side that needs a key defender. He’s out of contract and will have to find another club if he wants to play on in 2026.
Verdict: Going
20. ED RICHARDS
Age: 26 Games: 148 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2030
Richards has become a star in 2025, turning from a rebounding defender into a damaging midfielder that pushes forward and kicks goals. He was deservedly an All Australian this season.
Verdict: Staying
21. TOM LIBERATORE
Age: 33 Games: 257 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
The heart-and-soul of the Bulldogs, Liberatore played every game in 2025 and signed an extension for next season.
Verdict: Staying
22. JAMES HARMES
Age: 29 Games: 174 (13 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Harmes has a deal for next year, and will offer Luke Beveridge valuable depth as a forward option in 2026. But he struggled to find consistency this season, playing the first half of the year in the seniors before injuries and illness kept him to just one game after the bye and a couple of VFL appearances.
Verdict: Staying
23. LAITHAM VANDERMEER
Age: 26 Games: 87 (19 in 2025) Contract ends: 2028
It wasn’t a breakout campaign up forward for Vandermeer, but he has the security of a long-term deal and is in the side’s best 23 – whether as a small forward or a starting substitute.
Verdict: Staying
24. BUKU KHAMIS
Age: 25 Games: 41 (14 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Khamis has been floated as a trade option as he looks for greater opportunity at senior level. His manager, Ray Purcell, told this masthead in August that “if the right opportunity came up then he would go”. Carlton seen as a landing spot, but Khamis is contracted for next year.
Verdict: Watch this space
25. CALEB POULTER
Age: 22 Games: 35 (7 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
He would be nervous come exit meeting time, still without a contract for next year. He’s had a good season as a damaging winger-forward in the VFL, booting 20 goals in his last seven games while also averaging almost 20 touches a contest.
Verdict: Watch this space
26. JOSH DOLAN
Age: 18 Games: 11 (11 in 2025) Contract ends: 2028
Dolan earned an early extension beyond his initial draft deal and enjoyed a decent run in the senior side. He struggled to hit the scoreboard as a small forward, booting just one goal in his 11 appearances.
Verdict: Staying
27. JOEL FREIJAH
Age: 19 Games: 36 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Freijah enjoyed a second-year breakout campaign, showcasing plenty of star qualities across different lines. He has a tendency to drift in and out of games, which will diminish with experience and exposure. The Bulldogs will look to sign Freijah to a longer extension over the summer.
Verdict: Staying
28. ANTHONY SCOTT
Age: 30 Games: 59 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Scott was a constant senior contributor when he arrived at the Bulldogs, but has managed just two games in the past two seasons – and none in 2025. Scott is out of contract and will be nervous about his future.
Verdict: Going
29. LACHLAN BRAMBLE
Age: 27 Games: 77 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Bramble has been a favourite for Luke Beveridge since arriving at the club as an SSP recruit – playing every game in the senior side. Bramble has a deal for next year.
Verdict: Staying
30. LACHLAN MCNEIL
Age: 24 Games: 75 (21 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
A trusted small forward, McNeil’s numbers don’t jump off the page but he was a consistent performer in 2025, averaging almost a goal a game. He slipped in the second half of the season – kicking goals in nine straight games to start 2025.
Verdict: Staying
31. BAILEY DALE
Age: 29 Games: 178 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2029
Dale enjoyed a strong campaign, including a 49-disposal game earlier in the season. He’s an important member of the Bulldogs’ half back line.
Verdict: Staying
32. ARTHUR JONES
Age: 22 Games: 18 (4 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
It wasn’t a season of kicking on for the small forward, who averages good numbers in the VFL but he doesn’t get the role in the senior side. Just four VFL games but Jones had 22 and kicked 3.2 in the qualifying final against Frankston. He’ll need a big 2026.
Verdict: Staying
33. AARON NAUGHTON
Age: 25 Games: 166 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2032
Naughton had a blinding patch of form mid-year to help him to a career-best season – hitting the 60-goal milestone for the first time. The partnering with Sam Darcy will be feared for the next seven years.
Verdict: Staying
34. BAILEY WILLIAMS
Age: 27 Games: 174 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
Has flown under the radar during his time at the Dogs, but Williams has been a constant contributor in recent seasons and had an outstanding 2025 campaign.
Verdict: Staying
35. LUKE KENNEDY
Age: 18 Games: 0 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
He’s had some big VFL performances, and some not-so-big performances. But the progress is there, and he'll continue to improve with another season under the belt.
Verdict: Staying
36. LUKE CLEARY
Age: 23 Games: 23 (16 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
At long last, Cleary broke through to become a regular in the senior side. He’s now played 51 games for Footscray but he played 16 of his 23 AFL games this season, and looks to be more trusted in that defensive unit.
Verdict: Staying
37. MICHAEL SELLWOOD
Age: 21 Games: 0 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Sellwood only signed a six-month deal when he landed at the club in the mid-season draft, but his form in the VFL since arriving should warrant a full year. The defender had 28+ touches in three of his eight games at the level.
Verdict: Staying
38. RILEY GARCIA
Age: 24 Games: 39 (8 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
The young midfielder averages dominant numbers in the VFL but he struggles to get a consistent run in the seniors. He did sign an extension until 2027 so has been afforded the time to fight for a place.
Verdict: Staying
39. JASON JOHANNISEN
Age: 32 Games: 212 (16 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
He told this masthead it was either extend or retire, with a move away from the kennel not on the cards. But Johannisen hasn’t signed on yet, still waiting for a deal.
Verdict: Watch this space
40. LACHLAN SMITH
Age: 19 Games: 0 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
He’s a developing ruck and will be given time, but Smith has shown plenty of promise in his two years at Footscray. He had four 35+ hit out games in 2024, but had 11 in 2025 while also collecting at least 10 disposals in every game but one.
Verdict: Staying
41. ZAC WALKER
Age: 19 Games: 0 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Picked up in the mid-season draft and has played eight VFL games for Footscray, including two finals so far. He was the hero in the qualifying final, booting 4.2 from 13 touches.
Verdict: Staying
42. SAM DAVIDSON
Age: 23 Games: 19 (19 in 2025) Contract ends: 2028
The mature-aged VFL recruit made his debut on the wing in round 1 and was a constant in the senior side. He was omitted late in the year but earned an extension and will remain at the club for another three years.
Verdict: Staying
43. RYAN GARDNER
Age: 28 Games: 54 (1 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Gardner was named in the VFL team of the year, but he struggled in his one senior game this season. Has a deal for next year but the club is looking to find other depth options in a key defensive role.
Verdict: Staying
44. TIM ENGLISH
Age: 28 Games: 154 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2029
English signed a long-term deal last year and committed to the Bulldogs. It wasn’t a career-best season but he was still very productive, and will benefit from the incoming ruck changes.
Verdict: Staying
The Bulldogs were one of footy’s most exciting teams in 2025, and looked every bit a premiership contender — until they weren’t. We run the rule over their list to identify what needs to change.
The Bulldogs were one of footy’s most exciting teams in 2025, and looked every bit a premiership contender throughout the year.
But defensive concerns, their perfomances against the AFL’s elite and a round 24 shocker against Fremantle left them on the outside-looking-in when September started.
What needs to change? Who needs to go? Who will? We break down their full list.
1. ADAM TRELOAR
Age: 32 Games: 258 (4 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
The confusing saga between Treloar and the Bulldogs ended last week when all parties agreed on a one-year deal which will soon be announced. It’ll be the first year Collingwood isn’t paying part of the midfielder’s salary.
Verdict: Staying
2. JAMARRA UGLE-HAGAN
Age: 23 Games: 67 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Contracted for next year, but no one expects him to be at the kennel. A fall from grace since rebuffing monster rival offers to sign a two-year deal at the Bulldogs in 2024. Whether a rival gives Ugle-Hagan a chance remains to be seen.
Verdict: Going
3. CODY WEIGHTMAN
Age: 24 Games: 76 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
A rough run of luck for Weightman, needing kneecap surgery in February with the hope he made a return by the midway point of the season. He had further surgery in May to try to fix the issue, ruling him out for the season without playing a game.
Verdict: Staying
4. MARCUS BONTEMPELLI
Age: 29 Games: 258 (18 in 2025) Contract ends: 2029
A pre-season injury didn’t stop one of the AFL’s best players – making the All Australian side with just 18 games.
Verdict: Staying
5. JEDD BUSSLINGER
Age: 21 Games: 7 (7 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Broke through for his debut and generally looked good – considering he’s a young key defender in a weaker defensive unit. Contracted for next season and the club will be eager to continue to expose him next year.
Verdict: Staying
6. COOPER HYNES
Age: 19 Games: 8 (8 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
Hynes was in and out of the senior side, and often was used as the substitute, but Hynes showed plenty of promise in his maiden season.
Verdict: Staying
7. RORY LOBB
Age: 32 Games: 199 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
Lobb was a mainstay in the defensive unit, but he needs assistance alongside him as he’s a better intercepting defender rather than a lockdown tall.
Verdict: Staying
8. MATTHEW KENNEDY
Age: 28 Games: 141 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
What a steal for the Bulldogs. Kennedy came across from Carlton and was a constant in the midfield and forward rotation with his new side.
Verdict: Staying
9. RYLEY SANDERS
Age: 20 Games: 35 (21 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Sanders was a consistent feature in the senior side, but was a surprise omission for the last game of the season against Fremantle. He comes out of contract next season and will be closely watched by Tasmania if he doesn’t re-sign.
Verdict: Staying
10. SAM DARCY
Age: 22 Games: 45 (17 in 2025) Contract ends: 2029
Fans across Australia held their collective breath when Darcy went down with a knee injury. Thankfully it was relatively minor for one of the league’s most exciting young talents.
Verdict: Staying
11. LACHIE JAQUES
Age: 19 Games: 0 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
The draftee spent time playing both in defence and up forward with great success. He booted 11 goals, including three games with two majors, while also averaging almost 17 touches a game.
Verdict: Staying
12. HARVEY GALLAGHER
Age: 21 Games: 25 (5 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Still has a contract for 2026, but a foot injury limited his campaign this season. He played 19 games in his second year for the club, so has shown he’s best 23 when he’s fit.
Verdict: Staying
13. OSKAR BAKER
Age: 27 Games: 48 (9 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Subjected to a long run in the VFL, where he has helped Footscray to a grand final. But the emergence of several younger bounding Bulldogs off half back and the wing have limited his role.
Verdict: Going
14. RHYLEE WEST
Age: 25 Games: 81 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
West has quietly developed into a damaging medium forward, kicking a career-high 39 goals in 2025 – and 64 in his past two seasons.
Verdict: Staying
15. TAYLOR DURYEA
Age: 34 Games: 219 (5 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
The two-time premiership player announced his retirement last month. He missed the VFL preliminary final against Box Hill through suspension.
Verdict: Gone
16. JORDAN CROFT
Age: 20 Games: 2 (2 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
The athletic key utility has morphed into a massive point-of-difference at the Bulldogs, being used on the wing despite standing at 201cm tall. He broke through for a debut and played a couple of senior games.
Verdict: Staying
17. NICK COFFIELD
Age: 25 Games: 64 (4 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Struggled to break into the senior side despite the team’s need for a mature key defender. He is a high-quality VFL player but struggles to impact when he steps up.
Verdict: Going
18. JAMES O’DONNELL
Age: 23 Games: 48 (22 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
The former cricketer has blossomed into a star defender for the Bulldogs, but he isn’t going to turn into one capable of locking down the behemoths of the league. But he’s going to be a very good third tall.
Verdict: Staying
19. LIAM JONES
Age: 34 Games: 205 (5 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Jones fell out of favour as a key defender in a side that needs a key defender. He’s out of contract and will have to find another club if he wants to play on in 2026.
Verdict: Going
20. ED RICHARDS
Age: 26 Games: 148 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2030
Richards has become a star in 2025, turning from a rebounding defender into a damaging midfielder that pushes forward and kicks goals. He was deservedly an All Australian this season.
Verdict: Staying
21. TOM LIBERATORE
Age: 33 Games: 257 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
The heart-and-soul of the Bulldogs, Liberatore played every game in 2025 and signed an extension for next season.
Verdict: Staying
22. JAMES HARMES
Age: 29 Games: 174 (13 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Harmes has a deal for next year, and will offer Luke Beveridge valuable depth as a forward option in 2026. But he struggled to find consistency this season, playing the first half of the year in the seniors before injuries and illness kept him to just one game after the bye and a couple of VFL appearances.
Verdict: Staying
23. LAITHAM VANDERMEER
Age: 26 Games: 87 (19 in 2025) Contract ends: 2028
It wasn’t a breakout campaign up forward for Vandermeer, but he has the security of a long-term deal and is in the side’s best 23 – whether as a small forward or a starting substitute.
Verdict: Staying
24. BUKU KHAMIS
Age: 25 Games: 41 (14 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Khamis has been floated as a trade option as he looks for greater opportunity at senior level. His manager, Ray Purcell, told this masthead in August that “if the right opportunity came up then he would go”. Carlton seen as a landing spot, but Khamis is contracted for next year.
Verdict: Watch this space
25. CALEB POULTER
Age: 22 Games: 35 (7 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
He would be nervous come exit meeting time, still without a contract for next year. He’s had a good season as a damaging winger-forward in the VFL, booting 20 goals in his last seven games while also averaging almost 20 touches a contest.
Verdict: Watch this space
26. JOSH DOLAN
Age: 18 Games: 11 (11 in 2025) Contract ends: 2028
Dolan earned an early extension beyond his initial draft deal and enjoyed a decent run in the senior side. He struggled to hit the scoreboard as a small forward, booting just one goal in his 11 appearances.
Verdict: Staying
27. JOEL FREIJAH
Age: 19 Games: 36 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Freijah enjoyed a second-year breakout campaign, showcasing plenty of star qualities across different lines. He has a tendency to drift in and out of games, which will diminish with experience and exposure. The Bulldogs will look to sign Freijah to a longer extension over the summer.
Verdict: Staying
28. ANTHONY SCOTT
Age: 30 Games: 59 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Scott was a constant senior contributor when he arrived at the Bulldogs, but has managed just two games in the past two seasons – and none in 2025. Scott is out of contract and will be nervous about his future.
Verdict: Going
29. LACHLAN BRAMBLE
Age: 27 Games: 77 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Bramble has been a favourite for Luke Beveridge since arriving at the club as an SSP recruit – playing every game in the senior side. Bramble has a deal for next year.
Verdict: Staying
30. LACHLAN MCNEIL
Age: 24 Games: 75 (21 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
A trusted small forward, McNeil’s numbers don’t jump off the page but he was a consistent performer in 2025, averaging almost a goal a game. He slipped in the second half of the season – kicking goals in nine straight games to start 2025.
Verdict: Staying
31. BAILEY DALE
Age: 29 Games: 178 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2029
Dale enjoyed a strong campaign, including a 49-disposal game earlier in the season. He’s an important member of the Bulldogs’ half back line.
Verdict: Staying
32. ARTHUR JONES
Age: 22 Games: 18 (4 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
It wasn’t a season of kicking on for the small forward, who averages good numbers in the VFL but he doesn’t get the role in the senior side. Just four VFL games but Jones had 22 and kicked 3.2 in the qualifying final against Frankston. He’ll need a big 2026.
Verdict: Staying
33. AARON NAUGHTON
Age: 25 Games: 166 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2032
Naughton had a blinding patch of form mid-year to help him to a career-best season – hitting the 60-goal milestone for the first time. The partnering with Sam Darcy will be feared for the next seven years.
Verdict: Staying
34. BAILEY WILLIAMS
Age: 27 Games: 174 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
Has flown under the radar during his time at the Dogs, but Williams has been a constant contributor in recent seasons and had an outstanding 2025 campaign.
Verdict: Staying
35. LUKE KENNEDY
Age: 18 Games: 0 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
He’s had some big VFL performances, and some not-so-big performances. But the progress is there, and he'll continue to improve with another season under the belt.
Verdict: Staying
36. LUKE CLEARY
Age: 23 Games: 23 (16 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
At long last, Cleary broke through to become a regular in the senior side. He’s now played 51 games for Footscray but he played 16 of his 23 AFL games this season, and looks to be more trusted in that defensive unit.
Verdict: Staying
37. MICHAEL SELLWOOD
Age: 21 Games: 0 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Sellwood only signed a six-month deal when he landed at the club in the mid-season draft, but his form in the VFL since arriving should warrant a full year. The defender had 28+ touches in three of his eight games at the level.
Verdict: Staying
38. RILEY GARCIA
Age: 24 Games: 39 (8 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
The young midfielder averages dominant numbers in the VFL but he struggles to get a consistent run in the seniors. He did sign an extension until 2027 so has been afforded the time to fight for a place.
Verdict: Staying
39. JASON JOHANNISEN
Age: 32 Games: 212 (16 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
He told this masthead it was either extend or retire, with a move away from the kennel not on the cards. But Johannisen hasn’t signed on yet, still waiting for a deal.
Verdict: Watch this space
40. LACHLAN SMITH
Age: 19 Games: 0 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
He’s a developing ruck and will be given time, but Smith has shown plenty of promise in his two years at Footscray. He had four 35+ hit out games in 2024, but had 11 in 2025 while also collecting at least 10 disposals in every game but one.
Verdict: Staying
41. ZAC WALKER
Age: 19 Games: 0 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Picked up in the mid-season draft and has played eight VFL games for Footscray, including two finals so far. He was the hero in the qualifying final, booting 4.2 from 13 touches.
Verdict: Staying
42. SAM DAVIDSON
Age: 23 Games: 19 (19 in 2025) Contract ends: 2028
The mature-aged VFL recruit made his debut on the wing in round 1 and was a constant in the senior side. He was omitted late in the year but earned an extension and will remain at the club for another three years.
Verdict: Staying
43. RYAN GARDNER
Age: 28 Games: 54 (1 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Gardner was named in the VFL team of the year, but he struggled in his one senior game this season. Has a deal for next year but the club is looking to find other depth options in a key defensive role.
Verdict: Staying
44. TIM ENGLISH
Age: 28 Games: 154 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2029
English signed a long-term deal last year and committed to the Bulldogs. It wasn’t a career-best season but he was still very productive, and will benefit from the incoming ruck changes.
Verdict: Staying
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