Western Bulldogs recruit Connor Budarick has lifted the lid on the conversations that landed him at Footscray, highlighting that several other clubs were in the mix to secure his talents.
A two-year deal had been made available to Budarick by the Suns, but greater positional opportunities that he favours at the Bulldogs, as well as increased contract length, saw the 24-year-old opt to depart his home state, with a trade between the clubs made official on Tuesday.
However, Budarick stated that North Melbourne also "pushed hard" for his services as the Kangaroos looked to bolster their depth off half-back.
"I spoke with North; they pushed really hard. It was a tricky one, it was a big process," Budarick said.
"There were a number of clubs I had initial chats with early. The Dogs were the main suitor for me, so I was really happy with the eventual decision."
Despite being drafted in 2019 as a lockdown small defender, the Academy prospect has found himself in multiple roles under Damien Hardwick due to the acquisition of Daniel Rioli and John Noble down back.
Budarick notably played as a pressure forward in 2025, which saw him achieve a career-best 19 games this season and 2.9 score involvements per game.
However, the return to the familiarity of defence was an offer Budarick couldn't refuse.
"I knew that going into this year was going to be tough playing half back with Daniel [Rioli] and John [Noble] coming in but I was happy to play the position I was given. I played nearly every week," Budarick said.
"[Senior coach Damien Hardwick] made his push for me to stay, we had some healthy conversations.
"Overall, for my footy career, a change of scenery was going to be good for me. I'll play more footy in the back half where I think I play my best footy."
Budarick is the first player acquisition made by the Bulldogs this trade period, with 2020 first-overall draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and swingman Buku Khamis expected to exit the club before tonight's 7pm trade period deadline.
