Rebounding defender Bailey Williams has signed a two-year contract extension with the Western Bulldogs.
The 23-year-old, who was contracted until the end of 2021, will now call the Kennel home until at least the end of 2023.
Williams was one of the competition’s most improved players in 2020, establishing himself as an important part of the Bulldogs’ defensive mix in a breakout season.
He played all 18 AFL games in 2020, won the Tony Liberatore Most Improved Player award and finished fifth in the Charles Sutton Medal.
“It’s exciting to be locked in at the club for another two years,” Williams said.
“I think there are some exciting times ahead for our group and I’m looking forward to being a part of that.
“It was great being able to make my way into the team last year, stay there and play my role. I’ll just keep looking to do that each week.
“The bond within our group is really good and it’s enjoyable being at the club. I love playing with these boys every week and can’t wait to see what this season holds for us.”
General Manager of List Management and Football Projects, Sam Power, said it was pleasing to have Williams recommit.
“Bailey has become a really consistent player at AFL level and an integral part of our back line over the past two seasons,” Power said.
“He has the ability to play tall or small, intercepts the ball well and provides plenty of drive out of defence.
“Bailey had an outstanding 2020 season and has started this year extremely well, picking up from where he left off last year.
“We’re really excited to watch Bailey continue to grow over the next couple of years.”
Williams has been an important part of the Bulldogs’ success in the first three rounds of 2021, averaging 22.3 disposals and six marks per game.
He has played 62 AFL games across six seasons, since joining the Bulldogs with pick 48 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft.
