‘Vital leader’: Dogs re-sign smalls

Western Bulldogs defender Taylor Duryea will play on into a 16th season after committing to a new one-year deal for 2025.

Bulldogs list boss Sam Power said the left-footed defender remained a “vital leader” at the club as senior midfielders Jack Macrae and Bailey Smith seek trades from Whitten Oval.

Duryea was joined in recommitting to the Bulldogs by midfielder-forward Lachie McNeil, who signed a two-year deal after playing nine consecutive senior games to finish the season.

McNeil, 23, was able to nail down a spot at half-forward after a career-best performance in the Bulldogs’ round 20 win over Sydney, where he had 15 disposals and two goals.

He was an unrestricted free agent after being delisted and redrafted at the end of last season.

Duryea, who had also been delisted, will be one of no more than seven players from the 2009 draft next season after he was selected with pick 69 by Hawthorn and waited until his fourth season for a senior debut.

The dual premiership player moved to the Bulldogs ahead of 2019 and has been a mainstay in defence.

“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 re-signings come after the Bulldogs gave Buku Khamis a two-year deal earlier this week to tie him to the club until the end of 2026.