Emerging Western Bulldogs star Joel Freijah is set to get his just desserts after holding out on a contract extension, putting off talks with the club earlier in the year.
After being taken with Pick 45 in the 2023 National Draft, Freijah burst onto the AFL scene in Round 9 last season.
The 19-year-old hasn't missed under Luke Beveridge in 33 games, and has showcased his versatility, with many donning him the 'right-footed Bont' in honour of his captain Marcus Bontempelli.
As a result, the Bulldogs attempted to extend Freijah beyond his initial contract, which expires at the end of 2026, but were told to wait.
Freijah's manager, John Meesen from Kapital Sports Group, was stoked with the call.
"At the start of the year, there were some chats with [Bulldogs football boss] Sam Power there around a possible extension … I'm kind of glad we just held off a little bit," Meesen said on AFL Media's Gettable.
"He's had a pretty good year, and he's doing really well. He wanted to back himself in and see where he could take his game.
"He's locked in for next year, so we'll probably start looking at that at the end of the year or through the pre-season. He loves it at the Dogs."
Midfielder
Disposals
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Freijah has played in multiple positions under Beveridge and produced a career-best performance against Sydney earlier this year, where he kicked four goals from 23 possessions as the Bulldogs saluted at the SCG.
With only three games left in the home-and-away season, Beveridge and his charges sit precariously outside the top eight, but will fancy a return to September with upcoming clashes against Melbourne, West Coast and Fremantle.
