The Western Bulldogs have locked away Matthew Suckling, as the veteran defender signed a one-year extension on Tuesday to remain at Whitten Oval.
The 31-year-old has played 66 games for the Dogs since moving over from Hawthorn after the 2015 season, and is excited to remain at the club.
“It’s always nice to sign an extension, and I’ve loved my move across from Hawthorn,” Suckling told the club's website today.
“I’m really enjoying my time here under Bevo and we’re playing some good footy at the moment, so I’m excited about staying around.
“I feel like we’re building something pretty special.
“It’s a young group of guys who are really developing and I think we’re seeing that, especially in the second half of the year. Hopefully that keeps building and there’s exciting times ahead.”
Suckling's signature means the Dogs now have 11 players off-contract at the end of the season, including the likes of Bailey Dale, Bailey Williams and Roarke Smith.
Bulldogs 2026 Player Movements
| 2026 Gains |
| Connor Budarick (Gold Coast Suns, 2028), Lachy Carmichael (2028), Will Darcy (2027), Louis Emmett (2027) |
| 2026 Losses |
| Taylor Duryea (retired), Jason Johannisen (delisted), Liam Jones (delisted), Caleb Poulter (delisted), Anthony Scott (delisted), Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (Gold Coast Suns) |
| Re-Signed |
| Riley Garcia (2027) |
| Off Contract 2026 |
| Oskar Baker, Lachie Bramble (free agent), Jedd Busslinger, Nicholas Coffield, Jordan Croft, Joel Freijah, Harvey Gallagher, Ryan Gardner (free agent), James Harmes, Lachie Jaques, Arthur Jones, Luke Kennedy, Buku Khamis (free agent), Tom Liberatore (free agent), Lachlan McNeil (free agent), Ryley Sanders, Michael Sellwood, Lachlan Smith, Adam Treloar, Zac Walker, Rhylee West (free agent) |
