Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge signs two-year extension

One of the off-contract AFL coaches has ended speculation about his future and earnt an all-time pat on the back as part of his new deal.

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has been lauded as a “once-in-a-generation coach” after ending a lengthy period in limbo and signing a new two-year deal.

The 2016 premiership winner was off contract at the end of 2025 and had been linked to a potential move to Melbourne earlier in the season as contract talks continued.

But he’d made it clear he wouldn’t be coaching anywhere in 2026 if it wasn’t at the Bulldogs and has now inked a deal keeping him at the club until the end of 2027.

Having already become the club’s longest-serving coach, Bulldogs president Kylie Watson-Wheeler sang Beveridge’s praises after locking him in.

“The extension of Luke’s contract as senior coach is demonstrative of the trust, connection and partnership we have with him. Luke is a once-in-a-generation coach at our club. His commitment to the Bulldogs is unwavering,” Watson-Wheeler said.

“The considered process we have undertaken has resulted in the unanimous endorsement of the board and the unified belief that he is the best person to drive sustained success at the Bulldogs.

“As the game evolves, Luke continues to deliver a cutting-edge brand of footy and finds new ways to challenge and motivate our exciting playing group. We’re optimistic about the future under his continued leadership.”

Luke Beveridge has signed a new two-year deal. Picture: Michael Klein

Since taking the helm in 2015, Beveridge has won one premiership, taken his side to two Grand Finals and 13 finals (both club records) and holds the highest winning percentage (56.58 per cent among anyone who has coached 100 or more games for the Bulldogs.

Beveridge also claimed back-to-back AFL Coaches’ Association Coach of the Year awards in his first two seasons and said things were building again for the Dogs who are 6-6 going into Thursday’s clash with St Kilda.

“It is the right time to thank the playing group and our staff for their commitment to growth and their willingness to explore their best and discover the possibilities outside of their comfort zone,” Beveridge said.

“The evolution of our people in recent times has been quite dramatic with the promise you see in each other starting to shine through.

“I am honoured to renew my commitment to our great club beyond this year as I endeavour to be the best leader, ambassador and coach that I can be for our people, our members and those who support us.”