Dogs duo, Suns star sign new deals

More signing news coming from the Bulldogs and Suns 🐶 ☀️

EDITOR | August 19, 2021 - 12:39pm

The Western Bulldogs have secured the services of duo Taylor Duryea and Ed Richards for the future.

Duryea has inked a one-year extension to remain at the kennel for the 2022 season, extending his AFL tenure into a 13th season.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 19: (L-R) Anthony Scott, Ryan Gardner and Taylor Duryea of the Bulldogs celebrate during the 2021 AFL Round 01 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Western Bulldogs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 19, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Richards' new deal will see the pacey Dog stay at Whitten Oval until the end of the 2023 season, signing a two-year extension.

Understood to be gaining interest from rival clubs, the retention of Richards is a great signing for Luke Beveridge's list and the Dogs' future.

Speaking after the announcement, Richards stated his excitement to continue his career with the Bulldogs.

“It’s obviously great to put pen to paper on another two years at the Dogs,” Richards said.

“The boys, the coaches, everything at the club – I really love it here, so it was a pretty easy decision for me.

“When I first came to the club, I was at half-back and then I played some time on the wing and forward. I think I’ve been able to develop my game in different areas of the ground, which has been good and means I can fill different roles for the team.

“I’ve made great friends here and it’s a great place to be. We’ve got such a young list and we’re really exciting when we play well. We’ve had a good year and this group is something I want to keep being part of.”

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Both Richards and Duryea will be in contention for selection this weekend as the Bulldogs clash with Port Adelaide in a must-win clash between two premiership contenders.

Meanwhile, Gold Coast defender Sam Collins has signed a new deal with the Suns that will keep him at Carrara until the end of the 2025 season.

The Suns vice-captain has been stellar for the club since moving to Queensland ahead of the 2019 season, playing 44 games in the red, gold and blue.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 04: Sam Collins of the Suns evades a tackle by Jack Darling of the Eagles during the round seven AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Gold Coast Suns at Optus Stadium on May 04, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

“I love the club and have enjoyed being a part of the leadership group to help drive this group forward,” Collins said, per the club's website.

“I really believe in what we’re building here and I couldn’t see myself being anywhere else to be honest.

“I’m really excited for the next four years and how much influence I can have on the group, to make sure we’re a really respected and competitive team throughout the competition.”