Bailey Dale joins Caleb Daniel in signing long-term contracts at the Western Bulldogs

Two All-Australian defenders have shown their commitment to the Western Bulldogs and shunned free agency.

Bailey Dale has re-signed with the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Michael Klein

The Western Bulldogs have now locked in two key defensive pillars after Bailey Dale joined fellow All-Australian Caleb Daniel in shunning AFL free agency.

Dale signed a five-year contract extension, keeping him at the Whitten Oval until the end of 2027. The announcement comes just 24 hours after the Bulldogs announced 2020 best and fairest Daniel was locked in until 2026.

“The direction the club is heading is exciting and I’m keen to be a part of that, particularly playing and working alongside a great group of players and staff,” Dale said.

“I’m pleased that the contract is finalised and can now turn my focus to continuing to help us build on-field for the remainder of the season.”

Bailey Dale 🤝 2027

Happy Thursday, everyone!

📰 Details: https://t.co/4caKuxzRufpic.twitter.com/E8TTQTHRT3

— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) June 15, 2022

Dale, 25, is likely to be a Bulldog for life having made himself a backline mainstay following a pre-season shift from forward to halfback in 2021, a move that earnt him his first All-Australian selection last year.

“Bailey is a popular teammate and talented individual that continues to have a profound impact on our playing group,” list manager Sam Power said.

“His long-term commitment to the Bulldogs is a great reflection of the confidence he has in the playing group and the direction we‘re heading in as a club.”

Daniel confirmed his long-term commitment to the club by inking a new four-year deal that will keep him at Whitten Oval until at least 2026.

Western Bulldogs star Caleb Daniel is going nowhere. Picture: Michael Klein

An All-Australian and club best and fairest, Daniel has played 146 games for the Bulldogs since being taken in the 2014 draft and risen to become one of coach Luke Beveridge’s most important players.

Daniel, 25, said the drive to be better within the playing group made him excited to commit his long-term future to the Bulldogs.
“I am really excited to sign on at the club for the next four years,” he said.

“I’ve built some amazing friendships at this football club and am incredibly grateful to pull on the jumper each week with this group.

“As a club, we’ve had lot of success over recent times, but we’re extremely hungry to improve and continually drive each other to be better.”

Daniel’s signature is expected to be followed soon by ruckman Tim English, who is believed to be close to finalising his own new contract.