Luke Beveridge signs new two-year deal with Western Bulldogs

It’s official, Bulldogs premiership coach Luke Beveridge will continue on after 2025, signing a two-year deal as the Dogs fight desperately fight to stay in finals and top-four contention.

Luke Beveridge has been officially locked in as Western Bulldogs coach until 2027 on a two-year fully guaranteed deal.

The Dogs hierarchy told the club’s players on Tuesday afternoon, with the Herald Sun revealing on Monday the deal would be announced this week.

As an assisted club the Dogs have to seek permission from the AFL to secure a full contract payout for Beveridge on that two-year deal rather than a limited six-month termination clause.

But given Beveridge is a long-time premiership coach he has enough status to demand that payout on a new deal.

Luke Beveridge has re-signed with the Dogs. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

He has conceded with a tight football department soft cap there is no likelihood of a lucrative pay rise on a deal that would be above $800,000 a season.

Yet from 3-5 last season, Beveridge was able to bring in a new breed of players including Sam Darcy, Ryley Sanders, Harvey Gallagher, Joel Freijah and this year Sam Davidson to push into the next generation.

The club and Beveridge have preached stability this season despite controversies including Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s absence as well as a long injury list.

It comes with the Dogs desperate to bounce back against St Kilda after a pair of losses against Geelong and Hawthorn.

The 6-6 Dogs have lost their past two games and desperately need a victory to get their finals hopes back on track.

Two losses in a row either side of the bye have put their top four hopes in severe jeopardy, with the Dogs likely having to win eight of their final 11 games to guarantee a double chance.

Beveridge could flip Buku Khamis back or play three key talls with Sam Darcy set to complete a remarkable return from a knee injury.

He also has an array of selection options in defence, with Liam Jones solid against Coburg in the VFL with 11 spoils and three intercept marks.

Ryan Gardner was recalled for the first time since round 20, 2023 but struggled against the Hawks key forwards.

Mabior Chol kicked three goals on him as his main opponent and Jack Gunston kicked a goal in their 18 minutes head-to-head.

Beveridge had recalled him to ensure selection integrity after a brilliant month of VFL football.

But Jones is waiting in the wings if Beveridge wants him against St Kilda’s key forwards including Mitch Owens and Cooper Sharman or even small Jack Higgins.

Adam Treloar will be better for the run after getting through the clash against Hawthorn off a recurring calf injury.

Originally published as Luke Beveridge signs new two-year deal with Western Bulldogs