West Coast's reported pursuit of young Western Bulldogs defender Jedd Busslinger has fallen short after the East Perth product re-signed at the Kennel beyond 2024.
Busslinger was one of two top 20 draft selections from the 2022 intake yet to extend beyond their rookie contracts, with Sydney small forward Jacob Konstanty the other.
Arguably Western Australia's leading draftee in his class, Busslinger was among the Dogs' remaining re-signing priorities after a period that saw them secure new deals for Aaron Naughton, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Cody Weightman, Tom Liberatore and Rhylee West reach pending extensions.
Speaking on this week's re-signing of Weightman, senior coach Luke Beveridge may have let it slip that Busslinger has also committed to the Dogs beyond this year.
"It's great that [Weightman] has been able to sign, and 'Buss' is another one," the premiership coach said to the media.
"He's really starting to improve and come on. A Western Australian who's really enjoying his time here.
"We're pretty lucky and fortunate now with our club and the construction that's gone on around us with the performance base that we have. It's cutting edge and the boys are enjoying it.
"For those boys thinking about their futures... it's always a challenge. For (list manager) Sammy Power, I don't envy him in having to deal with the overtures from opposition clubs and conversations with player managers.
"He does an outstanding job, Sam."
Busslinger's new deal will see him locked to the blue, white and red until the end of the 2026 season, according toย AFL.com.au,ย who have also revealed the Eagles' interest in Busslinger's services.
The young WA native would've been an ideal fit for Adam Simpson's squad as they look to add talent for the future, while any potential trade talks involving Bulldogs target Tom Barrass are likely to have involved the 20-year-old.
Busslinger is yet to debut at AFL level but has consistently put his hand up for an opportunity under Beveridge, playing at a high level in the VFL to average 21 disposals and eight marks per game per game in his second year with the club.
The successful retention of Busslinger leaves the Dogs with the likes of Dominic Bedendo, Charlie Clarke,ย Taylor Duryea,ย Tim English,ย Riley Garcia,ย Jason Johannisen,ย Alex Keath,ย Buku Khamis,ย Lachlan McNeil,ย Kelsey Rypstra and Bailey Smith still unsigned for 2025.
