The Western Bulldogs have re-signed veteran Taylor Duryea and medium forward Lachlan McNeilย to remain at Whitten Oval.
Duryea's signing will keep the former two-time premiership Hawk as a Dog until at least the end of 2025, whilst McNeil will remain in the red, white and blue until at least the end of 2026.
A stalwart of the Bulldogs defence since 2019, Duryea once again forged a consistent season, playing in 22 of a possible 24 games. Duryea averaged 14.5 disposals per game, five marks and 2.2 tackles in 2024. His best game this season came against Essendon in Round 5, where he amassed 25 disposals, three rebound 50s and four inside 50s.
Duryea ticked across the 200-game milestone this year in Round 10 against GWS, and should he play out a full home and away season in 2025, he'll be a minimum of 11 games shy of the 250-mark.
McNeil played 12 games in 2024, dropping in and out of the AFL side as Luke Beveridge shuffled the magnets. As a medium forward, McNeil averaged career-highs in 2024, with 12 disposals, 2.1 inside 50s and 3.5 tackles per game. In the Bulldogs season-defining win over Sydney in Round 20, McNeil slotted two goals from 15 disposals.
Western Bulldogs General Manager of List and Recruiting, Sam Power, commented on Duryea's leadership as a veteran, as well as McNeil's continual development at Whitten Oval.
"Taylor has had a very consistent year and remained a vital leader for the Club, both on and off the field," Power said.
"Lachie continues to grow as a footballer and has played some important roles as a small forward this season.
"We're pleased that both players have remained at the Bulldogs into the future."
The curtains closed on the Bulldogs season on Friday night, at the hands of a 37-point loss to Hawthorn in an elimination final.
Duryea and McNeil's re-signings continue the list development for the Western Bulldogs this week. Bailey Smith and Jack Macrae announced their desires to move clubs in 2025, with the midfield pair requesting trades to be completed in the October trade period.
