Western Bulldogs defender Buku Khamis straight-batted questions about his future as teammates commended his breakthrough season at Whitten Oval on Wednesday.
Out-of-contract at the end of 2026, Khamis is preparing to play in his first final on Friday night against Collingwood as speculation mounts about his future.
The Dogs Academy graduate has played every game this year, establishing himself as a key piece.
"It can be tough at times worrying about contract stuff and that sort of thing and trying to play well but I feel like I've done an okay job with just worrying about playing footy and that's pretty much what I've done all year - just let my manager handle that and try to play good footy this week so it's no different this week," Khamis told media on Wednesday.
Khamis unsuccessfully sought a trade to Carlton last off-season, and they are again interested in the 191cm defender, offering him a four-year deal.
The 26-year-old has previously expressed that opportunity was a drawcard and, having played 31 games across the previous two seasons spread across all three lines, has thrived with increased continuity this year.
Asked about the decisive factors on Wednesday, he said: "I'm really just focused on playing footy this week, doing well in a big final and just focusing on that."
"Obviously coming through the Next Generation Academy, I've been here eight years and formed really good friendships with my teammates so obviously it's a tough place to be in but privileged to be where I'm at."
Khamis indicated he would likely take the match up on Tim Membrey, who kicked a game-high three goals against the Dogs when the teams last met, and believes the season has well prepared him for the challenge of September.
"I feel like this year I've had some really good learning curves as the year has progressed and there's some games I've really played well," Khamis said.
"I'm proud I've been able to play every game this year and just being able to go to work with (backline coach) Daniel Pratt and (teammate) James O'Donnell and keep growing each week."
O'Donnell, who recently inked an extension to keep him at the club until at least 2029, praised Khamis' growth this year.
"He's been amazing this year. I've loved Buku; he's been super consistent this year compared to his previous with position and being a staple in that position," O'Donnell said.
"It's been awesome to work with Buku this year; hopefully he's here for a long time. That'll play out in due course, but for now, the connection we've built will hopefully hold us in good stead for Friday night."
Leadership group member Bailey Dale also expressed optimism he would stay.
Dale's had an interrupted second half of the season with injury, while Tim English's knee injury has forced Rory Lobb to spend more time in the ruck, with those interruptions highlighting Khamis' continuity.
"He's dealt with it pretty well. Last year, he asked for a trade, and there's a bit of speculation about that, but I feel like he's dealt with it really well," Dale said.
"He's played his role to the highest of his ability this year and had a career-best year."
After back-and-forth between star midfielder Ed Richards and AFL boss Andrew Dillon about whether Wildcard Round was a final and the prospect of a big crowd, Khamis was far more reserved when asked how he viewed the clash with Collingwood.
"I definitely see it as a final. It's going to be an exciting week; hopefully we play in front of 90,000 at the MCG and progress to the next round because we know it's lose and go home. We definitely see it as a final," Khamis said.
