The Western Bulldogs have locked in five of their young stars including three members of the club’s AFLW leadership group.
Isabelle Pritchard has signed a three year contract extension after coming off her best season.
The childhood Bulldogs supporter enjoyed a breakout year in the midfield, becoming one of the most consistent performers in the Dogs’ on-ball brigade.
Pritchard averaged 19.9 disposals, 5.6 tackles and 5.2 clearances – all career-best numbers.
Bulldogs AFLW list manager Dan Fisher said it was great to sign Pritchard to a long-term deal.
“We’re delighted to have Issy sign on for another three years,” he said.
“She’s a proud western suburbs girl who loves the club and is equally loved by her teammates. “Her growth as a player this year has been a pleasure to watch, from her new leadership role to the responsibility she took on in the midfield which earnt her a career-best season.”
Another western suburbs local Issy Grant has committed for another two seasons.
Grant has played 44 senior games since arriving at the Kennel as the club’s inaugural father-daughter selection in 2019.
Starting her AFLW career as a forward, Grant made the switch to defence in her third year on the list and has never looked back.
She averaged 8.7 disposals, 2.3 marks and 144.9 metres gained in the most recent campaign.
Fisher said Grant often had to play above her height this season.
“Her closing speed and composure are wonderful traits, which we look forward to seeing them for the next two years and hopefully beyond.
“She used her voice to organise the backline, while her natural ability to connect with people saw her flourish off-field in her first year in the leadership group.”
Defender Issy Grant has re-signed at the Western Bulldogs until at least the end of the 2026 NAB AFLW Season.
Grant has played 44 senior games since arriving at the Kennel as the Club’s inaugural father-daughter selection in 2019.
Starting her AFLW career as a forward, Grant made the switch to defence in her third year on the list and has never looked back.
She averaged 8.7 disposals, 2.3 marks and 144.9 metres gained in the most recent campaign.
“Granty often had to play above her height this season, and did a great job, particularly after we lost two key defenders to injury,” Bulldogs AFLW List Manager Dan Fisher said.
“Her closing speed and composure are wonderful traits, which we look forward to seeing them for the next two years and hopefully beyond.
“She used her voice to organise the backline, while her natural ability to connect with people saw her flourish off-field in her first year in the leadership group.”
Jess Fitzgerald has also put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension, keeping her at the Kennel until at least the end of 2026.
Fitzgerald was drafted by the Bulldogs with Pick 2 in the 2020 AFLW draft, having played every possible game since her debut.
She reached her 50th game milestone in week nine this season, enjoying career-best averages across a number of key statistics.
Fisher said Fitzgerald’s ability to improve those around her was first-class.
“Fitzy offers so much to our group on and off field,” he said.
“In her first year formally in the leadership group, we saw tremendous growth in her – her love and care for our players has always been evident, but her ability to grow those around her has taken her to another level.
“She also stepped up in the midfield, which saw her hit career-highs for disposals, tackles and clearances this season.”
Britney Gutknecht and Kaylee Kimber have signed one-year contract extensions.
Gutknecht arrived at the Kennel via pick 48 in the 2019 draft and played every match this season.
Kimber’s story is one of persistence, signing as an injury-replacement player days before the season-opener to play eight of a possible 11 games.
She enjoyed a particularly impactful performance in Week 9 against the Saints, registering 12 disposals, two marks and 224 metres gained.
