Emerging Western Bulldogs defender Buku Khamis has signed a one-year contract extension to remain with the Club next year.

The 21-year-old is in his third season at the Club after arriving at the Bulldogs as a pre-selected Next Generation Academy selection in 2018.

He broke through for his AFL debut in Round 8 this year against Carlton, showing signs that he has a bright future at the elite level.

Khamis – a refugee from South Sudan who spent time in a refugee camp in Kenya – came to Australia in 2006 with his family.

A latecomer to Australian Rules football, he started playing the game in his last year of primary school and was involved with the Bulldogs long before being added to the AFL list, through its Community Foundation programs.

He was the Club’s first player drafted to the AFL from its Next Generation Academy.

“Buku has come such a long way during his time on the senior list, and we’re rapt to have him continue with us next year,” said Bulldogs’ General Manager of List Management and Football Projects, Sam Power.

“To see Buku make his debut earlier this year was one of the highlights of our season, and a testament to all the hard work he has put in over the last few years.

“He is only scratching the surface of what he can achieve at AFL level, and we’re excited about what the future holds for him.”

Khamis attributes his progression to hard work on the track and the support of those around him at the Club.

“I’m pretty happy to be able to re-sign for another year at the Club. It’s a great place to be, with great people,” he said.

“I was really pleased with the way I developed this year.  It started from pre-season.  It really set me up for the rest of the year.

“I was happy to make my debut this year, and hopefully I’ll get more senior opportunities next year.”