The Western Bulldogs have secured a key piece of their future, with emerging superstar Sam Darcy inking a new long-term deal to remain at Whitten Oval until at least the end of the 2029 AFL season.
Darcy, 21, was set to come out of contract at the end of the 2025 campaign but has now put pen to paper on a four-year extension in a major coup for the club. The new deal will take the rising star through to his eighth season as a Bulldog.
Breakout 2024 Season Paves Way for New Deal
After an injury and illness-interrupted start to his AFL career limited him to just a handful of games across his first two seasons, Darcy enjoyed a breakout year in 2024, booting 38 goals from 21 appearances and cementing his spot in the Bulldogs’ best 22.
The prodigiously talented key forward, who is the son of Bulldogs great Luke Darcy, showcased his immense potential with several dominant performances and looms as a vital cog in the club’s forward line for the next decade and beyond.
“It was a really easy decision for me in the end,” Darcy said of his new deal. “This club means so much to me – I’ve got a rich family history here.
“I grew up supporting the Bulldogs and I am very grateful to be living out my dreams at Whitten Oval. I’m really confident in the direction we’re heading and love coming into work every day with the boys as we continue to try and improve.”
Club Thrilled to Lock Away Key Pillar
The Bulldogs’ acting football boss Sam Power, who has stepped into the role following the recent resignation of long-time administrator Chris Grant, expressed his delight at securing Darcy’s signature on a long-term deal.
“Only three seasons into his career, Sam has shown plenty of exciting qualities as he navigates the early parts of his journey,” Power said.
“Having continuity this season allowed Sam to display his aerial capabilities, becoming one of the most challenging forwards to defend in the game, while maintaining his elite competitive edge every time he steps onto the field.
“He’s an important part of the club’s future with plenty of growth still remaining in his game.”
Dogs Set to Retain Other Stars
Darcy’s re-signing is expected to be the first of several key re-commitments for the Bulldogs, with skipper Marcus Bontempelli and star midfielders Ed Richards and Adam Treloar also set to come out of contract at the end of next season.
However, club insiders suggest it would take something dramatic for the vital trio not to ink new deals, with all three seen as crucial to the Bulldogs’ short and long-term prospects.
The Bulldogs will be hoping to use the momentum from Darcy’s re-signing as a springboard to launch into season 2025, having fallen just short of a finals berth this year in the ultra-competitive AFL landscape.
With one of the game’s most exciting young key forwards now locked away for the long haul and a bevy of other stars set to follow suit, the future looks bright at the Kennel as the Bulldogs chase their next premiership flag.
