Lachie Hunter has moved a step closer to becoming a Bulldog for life after signing a long-term contract extension with the Club.

The reigning Bulldogs’ Charles Sutton Medallist has put pen to paper on a new five-year contract, which will see him remain in the red, white and blue until at least the end of the 2024 season.

Hunter has become one of the Dogs’ most influential players and one of the competition’s premier wingmen, and his signature is a major fillip for the Club heading into the 2019 season.

The 24-year-old is entering his seventh season at VU Whitten Oval, and has developed into a hard-running, dependable and durable player, and a true leader on and off the field.

“It’s fantastic for the Club and its members and supporters to see Lachie make a long-term commitment to his future at the Western Bulldogs,” said the Club’s General Manager of List and Recruiting, Sam Power.

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“Lachie is someone his team-mates love playing with, and is one of only a few Bulldogs players to have won a premiership and a Best and Fairest at the Club.

“Despite his standing in the game already, he is only now reaching his prime and we’re excited to see him continue to take his game to the next level in the next few years.

“The Hunter name has a strong history at the Bulldogs, and we’re excited to see it remain that way for a long time to come.”

Hunter has played 105 games and kicked 52 goals in his career so far, and is fresh from a 2018 season in which he averaged a career-high 29 disposals per game.

His consistency last season helped him edge out Jack Macrae by one vote to secure his first club champion award.

“I’ve clearly wanted to play for this club my whole life, and to be able to do that over an extended period now is a really good feeling,” Hunter said.

“I’m super happy to be here until just around that 30 mark, and a few more once I get there. Hopefully I can repay the faith over the next five years.

“I cherish every time I get to run out in the Bulldogs guernsey. It’s something I definitely don’t take for granted. I just love everyone at the Club so much, and it’s such a great place to work.”

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