Bulldogs’ premiership utility Toby McLean has agreed to terms on a contract extension that will see him remain at Whitten Oval until the end of the 2023 season.
Having recently recovered from a second ACL reconstruction, McLean has showed plenty of promise in recent VFL fixtures, displaying resilience and leadership throughout a challenging campaign.
The 26-year-old has played 95 games across his eight seasons at the Kennel, managing 62 goals and an elusive premiership victory in 2016.
McLean will be joined by a trio of emerging Bulldogs in re-committing to the Club, seeing Riley Garcia, Cody Raak and Robbie McComb all putting pen to paper on new deals.
Garcia has impressed since being selected at pick 62 in the 2019 National Draft, rewarded with a two-year extension.
The West Australian has played seven games this season, including a vital performance against Melbourne, collecting 14 touches and kicking two goals.
Mature-age recruit McComb became the fourth current Bulldog to be drafted out of the Footscray VFL team, averaging 13 touches and two marks across his 14 matches this season.
McComb has been deployed through the midfield and forward line in 2022, a testament to his versatility and role-playing ability.
Next Generation Academy graduate Cody Raak has extended his time at the Club with a one-year Category B deal, playing consistent VFL football during the 2022 season.
Despite not playing a senior game, Raak possesses strong attributes as a defender and continues to develop his game during his first season at the Club.
Bulldogs General Manager – List & Recruiting, Sam Power said it was great reward for these individuals to remain at the Club into the future.
“Toby has been with us for eight seasons and has faced a lot of adversity throughout his AFL journey,” Power said.
“He is a very respected teammate across the group and has provided fantastic support to the entire program during the rehabilitation of his knee injury over the past 12 months.”
“This extension is great reward for his perseverance and effort across two challenging seasons and we look forward to seeing Toby continue in the red, white and blue.”
Power was also excited to retain a trio of important players looking into the future of the Club.
“Riley, Robbie and Cody are all part of our future at the Club and we’re thrilled to see these players sign on at the Bulldogs,” Power said.
“Each of these individuals have shown attributes, both on and off field, that will hold them in good stead heading into the next stage of their AFL careers.”
