Western Bulldogs star defender Baily Dale has revealed he is in no rush to sign his next AFL contract.
Off-contract at the end of the 2022 season, Dale, who was named to the All Australian team at the end of the 2021 season after a piecing together an excellent campaign, is one of the higher priorities for the Bulldogs to re-sign before the end of the season.
Jack Macrae, Caleb Daniel, Bailey Smith, Josh Dunkley, Tim English, Alex Keath and Jason Johannisen are among the other players off-contract at the end of the upcoming season, with the Bulldogs desperate to repeat their 2021 form and make another trip to the decider in the meantime, with revenge at the front of mind after they were blown out by the Melbourne Demons in last year's grand final.
The former forward, who made the switch to the backline ahead of the 2021 season, is a strong chance of going past 100 games for the club who drafted him with the 45th pick in the 2014 national draft.
He said he wants to become consistent on the field though and let his contract take care of itself off the field.
"I just want to start the year really well," Dale told AFL.com.au.
"I've been a bit inconsistent over my career and it's a great opportunity to try back up a really good year.
"I'm in no rush, it's going to take care of itself eventually and when it does I'll be happy."
Dale and his teammates won't have to wait long to play the Demons and start the path for revenge, with a Round 1 blockbuster to open the season at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday.
