The Western Bulldogs have locked away free agent Bailey Dale to a new five-year contract at Whitten Oval.

Dale, an All-Australian defender, has opted to turn his back on the open market in favour of remaining in the blue, white and red, looking to extend his 97-game stint with the Dogs.

The 25-year-old's new deal comes one day after fellow Western Bulldogs defender Caleb Daniel signed on until the end of the 2026 season.

Dale expressed his delight in recommitting to the Kennel until the end of the 2027 season.

โ€œI am really excited to keep playing for this amazing club for the next five seasons,โ€ Dale said.

โ€œI am grateful for the opportunity the Club has given me and was always keen to commit long-term at Whitten Oval.

โ€œThe direction the Club is heading is exciting and Iโ€™m keen to be a part of that, particularly playing and working alongside a great group of players and staff.โ€

โ€œIโ€™m pleased that the contract is finalised and can now turn my focus to continuing to help us build on-field for the remainder of the season.โ€

Dale made his debut for the Dogs in 2015, initially starting out as a forward target before eventually moving into the back third of Luke Beveridge's side.

The Edithvale-Aspendale product has flourished in his role at half-back, offering elite disposal usage out of defence.

Dale enjoyed a career-best campaign last year, where he won his maiden All-Australian blazer and finished fourth in his side's best and fairest count.

โ€œWe are thrilled to keep Bailey for the next five years,โ€ Dogs list manager Sam Power said.

โ€œAfter starting his career forward, Bailey has transformed into a reliable rebounding defender that provides plenty of dash and excitement in our back half.โ€

โ€œIt was pleasing to see Baileyโ€™s hard work rewarded at the end of last season, receiving his first All Australian jacket in his first season as a defender.โ€

โ€œBailey is a popular teammate and talented individual that continues to have a profound impact on our playing group.โ€

Dale is set to line up for the Bulldogs in Saturday night's clash with the GWS Giants at GIANTS Stadium at 7:25pm (AEST).