Luke Beveridge has been secured as Western Bulldogs coach until the end of the 2023 season, after he agreed to a contract extension this week.

Beveridge, whose current deal was set to expire at the end of the 2020 season, has extended his contract with the Bulldogs for a further three seasons.

Beveridge is in his fifth season at VU Whitten Oval, having arrived at the end of 2014, and has coached the Bulldogs in 109 games to date.

He took the team to the finals in his first season, before leading the Bulldogs to their second ever VFL/AFL premiership in 2016.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to continue in my capacity as the senior coach of this brilliant Club through to 2023,” Beveridge said.

“It is such a privilege to work with so many great people who do an outstanding job of guiding and nurturing our young men. It is also an honour to be associated with a club that does so much in the community and continues to provoke thought around our social conscience and what we can do for others.

“I have been very fortunate to feel the affection and the support from our passionate fans. We do this for each other, but ultimately, we do it for our supporters and we aim to make you proud of your Club.

“It is a responsibility I will continue to manage with the weight it deserves as we strive to be the best team again.”

The Bulldogs have consistently fielded one of the most inexperienced teams in the competition over the last two seasons, and its developing crop of youngsters have emerged as the faces of the future.

The likes of Lachie Hunter, Aaron Naughton, Caleb Daniel, Josh Dunkley and Tim English have all re-signed this year, for extended periods.

“We have a young playing group which clearly has belief in what we’re building towards, and to extend Luke’s contract and have his commitment further reflects the confidence in our future,” said Bulldogs’ CEO Ameet Bains.

“We’ve been in discussions with Luke for a while about an extension, and we’re thrilled to have formalised the new deal.

“Luke has clearly demonstrated his coaching ability, as well as a profound way of connecting with his players, with a capacity to build strong relationships with the people around him.

“Not only has he been incredibly significant for the football side of our Club, but he is a strong leader and role model for our staff, our partners, and our members and fans.

“We look forward to the future with a great deal of excitement and optimism.”