Young gun Laitham Vandermeer has signed a two-year contract extension with the Western Bulldogs.

The deal will lock the exciting 22-year-old in at VU Whitten Oval until the end of 2023.

Vandermeer has established himself as an important player for the Bulldogs over the past two seasons.

He made his AFL debut in round two last year, playing 12 games and winning the Chris Grant Best First Year Player award.

Vandermeer has added another five appearances to his tally in 2021 and is excited about his future as a Bulldog.

“I’m really happy to have signed on for another two years,” Vandermeer said.

“Going into this year after what I was able to achieve last year was a real confidence booster.

“It’s nice to know I have the belief of the footy department and everyone at the club. I still feel like I’ve got so much room to improve my game and I just want to keep growing and getting better.

“There’s some real excitement about the direction we’re heading in as a group and I want to be part of success with this team.”

Vandermeer was recruited by the Bulldogs with pick 37 in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft.

He was drafted as a rebounding defender but has been able to transition to play predominantly as a forward over the past two seasons to great effect.

“We’ve been really pleased with Laitham’s development over the past couple of years,” General Manager of List Management and Football Projects, Sam Power, said.

“He’s proven he can play some influential football at AFL level and with his speed, forward pressure and versatility has become an important part of the team.

“It was good to see him get a sustained run at it last year – winning our best first year player award – and he’s continued to display promising signs in the early stages of 2021.”