The Western Bulldogs have locked away Matthew Suckling, as the veteran defender signed a one-year extension on Tuesday to remain at Whitten Oval.
The 31-year-old has played 66 games for the Dogs since moving over from Hawthorn after the 2015 season, and is excited to remain at the club.
“It’s always nice to sign an extension, and I’ve loved my move across from Hawthorn,” Suckling told the club's website today.
“I’m really enjoying my time here under Bevo and we’re playing some good footy at the moment, so I’m excited about staying around.
“I feel like we’re building something pretty special.
“It’s a young group of guys who are really developing and I think we’re seeing that, especially in the second half of the year. Hopefully that keeps building and there’s exciting times ahead.”
Suckling's signature means the Dogs now have 11 players off-contract at the end of the season, including the likes of Bailey Dale, Bailey Williams and Roarke Smith.
| 2025 Gains |
| Sam Davidson (2026), Josh Dolan (2026), Cooper Hynes (2027), Lachie Jaques (2026), Luke Kennedy (2026), Matthew Kennedy (Carlton Blues, 2027) |
| 2025 Losses |
| Dominic Bedendo (delisted), Charlie Clarke (delisted), Caleb Daniel (North Melbourne Kangaroos), Alex Keath (retired), Jack Macrae (St Kilda Saints), Aiden O'Driscoll (retired), Kelsey Rypstra (delisted), Bailey Smith (Geelong Cats) |
| Re-Signed |
| Lachie Bramble (2027), Jedd Busslinger (2026), Taylor Duryea (2025), Tim English (2029), Joel Freijah (2026), Harvey Gallagher (2026), Jason Johannisen (2025), Buku Khamis (2026), Tom Liberatore (2025), Lachlan McNeil (2026), James O'Donnell (2027), Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (2026), Cody Weightman (2027), Rhylee West (2026) |
| Off Contract 2025 |
| Oskar Baker, Marcus Bontempelli, Luke Cleary, Nicholas Coffield, Sam Darcy, Taylor Duryea, Jason Johannisen, Arthur Jones, Tom Liberatore, Caleb Poulter, Ed Richards, Anthony Scott, Lachlan Smith, Adam Treloar, Laitham Vandermeer |
Check out the Dogs' full and updated contracts list here.