Western Bulldogs captain De Berry has put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension.
It will see the 26-year-old remain in the red, white and blue until at least the end of the 2026 season.
“Getting pen to paper was pretty exciting for me – it just means I’m locked away so we can continue to get down to business and make this program really special,” Berry said.
“I want to keep leading this group into the next phase of where we’ll take our footy and our program.
“I was pretty keen to get the extension done – I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
Berry who started her career at Mernda and spent time at the Calder Cannons, said one of her favourite things about being a Bulldog was the love and support from not only the playing group, but the wider community of the west.
“This group means a lot to me … they’re like family to me. I just love each and every single one of those girls,” she said.
“Playing for the Bulldogs is just such an inclusive environment. You come here and can be who you want to be. The support you get from everyone far and wide – everyone is so equal and so supportive.
“You feel connected to the community here in Footscray too – everyone that comes to our games are not only supportive of AFLW, but also supportive of Mission Whitten Oval and Footscray itself. That’s what I love most about being here.”
AFLW Bulldogs list manager Dan Fisher said it was pleasing to secure the skipper’s services for seasons to come.
“We’re so excited to have De commit until 2026,” he said.
“On-field, her class and ability to drive out of stoppage are vital components to our ball movement. She’s continually improving so we believe her best is yet to come.
“As a premiership Bulldog and foundation AFLW player, she provides invaluable experience to our young group and emerging leaders. Her leadership has flourished over the years and her connection to the playing group has been further enhanced since becoming captain.”
Berry was initially drafted to Melbourne with Pick No.9 in the inaugural AFLW draft, before crossing to the kennel via a trade ahead of the 2018 season.
Berry told the Bulldogs media team that being put up for trade really shocked her and made her learn resilience.
She has played 53 games to date, celebrating her 50th milestone match against West Coast this year.
