Palawa man Ryley Sanders has signed a two-year contract extension to remain at the Western Bulldogs until at least the end of the 2028 season.
The young midfielder has averaged 20 disposals across his opening two matches this season and is emerging as a key pillar to the Bulldogs' midfield.
The 21-year-old has now played 37 games for the club since arriving at the kennel after being selected with pick six in the 2023 National Draft.
Speaking to the Bulldogs media, Sanders said he was happy to get the deal done early so he can turn his full attention to football.
"I'm very grateful to sign on for another couple of years - I'm really happy here and really settled in at the club," Sanders said.
"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 the strong culture at the Bulldogs and the relationships he has built within the club played a major role in his decision to sign on.
"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," he said.
"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."
Originally from North Launceston, Sanders spent time with Sandringham Dragons in the NAB League competition after relocating to Victoria and boarding at Melbourne Grammar.
In his draft year, Sanders dominated for the Allies at the U18 National Championships, averaging 35 disposals, five clearances and four tackles across four games.
He won the Larke Medal as the best-and-fairest player in the carnival and was also named captain of the U18 All-Australian team.
Sanders made his AFL debut in Round 1 of the 2024 season and played 14 games in his first season.
He has since continued to ply his trade in a variety of roles through the midfield, inside and outside the contest.
Sanders helped to design the Bulldogs' First Nations guernsey last year, which paid homage to his Tasmanian heritage, wombat totem and the influence of his mother.
Bulldogs Executive Manager of Football, Sam Power, said that the club had been impressed by Sanders from the moment he arrived.
"From the moment Ryley entered the building, he has shown such a strong level of professionalism and diligence and we're really pleased he has committed his future to our Club," Power said.
"We see Ryley as a long-term player at our football club alongside a core group of younger players with a bright future.
"Ryley's ability to cover the ground extremely well and make good decisions with ball in hand has created influential moments in games, despite only being 37 matches into his career.
"There is plenty of growth left in his game and our fans should be excited about what our No.9 can produce for the remainder of this season and beyond."
