The Western Bulldogs have declared Luke Beveridge is their man long-term, with the senior coach signing a contract extension ahead of one of his most crucial seasons at the club in a significant display of faith.
The Bulldogs on Thursday night confirmed Beveridge, who was initially unsigned beyond next year, had signed a two-year contract extension.
Beveridge’s new deal secures him to the Whitten Oval until at least the end of the 2025 season, which will be Beveridge’s 11th season at the helm.
Beveridge is the most successful coach in the Bulldogs’ history, leading the club to six finals appearances in the past eight years, including the drought-breaking 2016 premiership and the 2021 Grand Final. Overall, he’s won 57 per cent of the 183 games he’s coached.
There has been ample intrigue in recent months surrounding Beveridge and the high expectations on his talented Bulldogs in 2023 following the club’s 2022 elimination finals exit, which came after it only just scraped in to the top eight.
But Bulldogs president Kylie Watson-Wheeler said the decision to extend Beveridge’s contract was “unanimously agreed” by the club’s board, alongside chief executive Ameet Bains and football boss Chris Grant.
“This is a significant moment for our football club and its people,” Watson-Wheeler said.
“Luke’s passion for the club is evident and his record speaks for itself, taking us to our first premiership in 62 years, while finding sustained success through his eight seasons at the helm.
“We are so fortunate to have a strong and committed leader driving the Western Bulldogs’ AFL team forward into the future, establishing an exciting playing group and building a culture that has helped the club’s brand grow and membership surpass 50,000.
“There is plenty of excitement ahead for our members and fans, as we look forward to what the Club can achieve together over the next three seasons.”
Despite recent speculation other clubs were keen to sound Beveridge out, the coach said he was pleased to extend his Bulldogs tenure.
“The club means an enormous amount to me,” Beveridge said.
“It’s a great show of faith and support from the club to commit to me for another three years, in essence, to the end of 2025.
“I am really grateful for the support I’ve had along the way – so many good people have come and gone who influenced our program and helped me in my role.
“As much as there is the occasional speculation of me coaching elsewhere, I’ve never really thought about that. I’ve always wanted to be here.
“I’m absolutely invested and committed to our football club, mostly our people and everyone that supports us.
“Year on year we aim to be the best in the competition and I am very much looking forward to leading the charge in the pursuit of future success for our club.”
