Western Bulldogs on-baller Ryley Sanders has penned a two-year extension to remain at the Whitten Oval amid heavy links to his home state, Tasmania.
Sanders' new deal takes him through until the end of 2028, which coincides with the completion of the Devils' first year in the AFL.
The new contract means Tasmania won't have access to the former Pick 6 as they enter the league, but they are expected to retain their interest 12 months later.
Done deal: Ryley Sanders has signed with @westernbulldogs …. locked away until end of 2028 with 2 year extension. @zerohanger
— Mark Stevens (@StevoMedia) March 27, 2026
"It's something I've been speaking with my manager about for the last six months or so, so to get it done early in the season is really good. Now I can just focus on winning games of footy," Sanders said.
"There's a really good feel around the Club, and I feel like we've got a really good balance at the moment between being serious when we're playing and training, but then off-field having lots of fun too.
"The relationships were the most important thing with me staying here - in terms of my teammates and (what) good people they all are, and then the coaches as well.
"It really excites me what we can potentially do over a longer period of time."
Bulldogs fans will rejoice that the 21-year-old has decided to remain put, and it's another show of loyalty after Adelaide made a significant push to lure him to South Australia last year.
Sanders has played 37 games for the Bulldogs, and has started brightly this season despite a concussion preventing him from being selected in Opening Round.
The two-year extension follows in the footsteps of teammates also committing to the club, with Joel Freijah and Jordan Croft also penning new deals until the end of 2029.
The Western Bulldogs have multiple contract calls to make throughout the year, with Adam Treloar, Arthur Jones, Harvey Gallagher, Buku Khamis, Jedd Busslinger, Lachie Bramble and Tom Liberatore amid 16 players without deals beyond 2026.
The Bulldogs remain undefeated in 2026, knocking off three 2025 finalists - Brisbane, GWS and Adelaide before - leading into their Round 3 bye.




















