Western Bulldogs defender Bailey Dale has extended his contract with the club until 2029, tacking on another two years to his current contract with the Footscray-based outfit, which was set to expire in 2027.
Dale has continued to star in his 11th season at the club since being drafted in 2014, averaging a career-high 27.2 disposals per game at an incredible 81.8 per cent efficiency.
The 29-year-old has emerged as one of the AFL's most damaging players off half-back, ranking eighth in the league for metres gained (545.5 per game), and made history with a 49-disposal, 1016 metres gained effort against Essendon in Round 10 this year.
Dale highlighted the stability of the club's core of personnel as a reason for his eagerness to recommit, with fellow superstar talents Ed Richards, Marcus Bontempelli and premiership coach Luke Beveridge all penning lengthy extensions in recent months.
“I just love this club. They took me in when I was an 18-year-old kid, and there's so much growth left in this place,” Dale said.
“I feel like I can give so much more to this club, so I'm really excited to sign on for a couple more years and extend out to 2029.
“There's a lot more stability with Bevo signing on, and even Ed and Bont and all these guys as well. There is some really exciting times ahead and I want to be part of that.
“I love the club and can't wait to be here for another four years.”
Executive Manager of Men's Football Sam Power was thrilled to have Dale recommit, spotlighting his important presence in the locker room.
“Bailey has been such a consistent performer within our setup for a long period of time, and we couldn't be happier to have him in red, white and blue until 2029,” Power said.
“Having already been an All-Australian, Bailey's ability to find the football and use his elite kicking skills propels our team from the back half, while his ability to support his teammates in the air and on the ground has gone to another level in 2025.
“As a popular member of the locker room, Bailey was named in our leadership group for the first time in 2025, helping our younger players improve and driving the standards on and off the field.
“Extending his contract beyond the current two-year deal in place is a great show of faith from him around the direction of our club as we continue to strive for sustained success.”
Dale will play his 178th senior match this weekend against Fremantle as the Dogs look to secure a place in September for the sixth time in seven years.
