Mooroopna product Laitham Vandermeer has inked a deal which will have him remain at Western Bulldogs for another two seasons.
The contract extension, which keeps him at the club until at least the end of 2025, has come as welcomed news for Vandermeer as hamstring troubles have marred the talented young utility for some time now.
The 24-year-old was elated to sign the papers and stay at Whitten Oval for the near future.
“I’m extremely pumped,” Vandermeer said.
“The way we are heading is looking very promising, it’s exciting to sign for a couple of years and be a part of something special.
“From a personal point of view, I’ve had a disappointing start (to 2023) due to injury, for the club to be able to back me in and have some belief this time of the year certainly keeps me going.
“I just want to get better each week, particularly with the boys in good form, I’ve just got to play my role each week and put my hand up for selection.”
Vandermeer is currently recovering from hamstring woes which have kept him off the park in the AFL, instead piecing together performances for Footscray Bulldogs in the VFL.
His bright start to life in the AFL has been riddled with injury, but the contract extension is a vote of confidence and testament to the former Mooroopna and Murray Bushranger’s talent.
After being selected at pick 37 in the 2018 National Draft, Vandermeer has since played 33 games for the Bulldogs, kicking 19 goals, providing valuable speed and endurance around the ground.
He enjoyed a breakout start to his career in 2020 where he appeared for the Bulldogs 12 times in the AFL, earning the Chris Grant Best First Year Player award the same season.
Bulldogs general manager of list management and recruiting Sam Power said he was glad to have secured Vandermeer’s services moving forward.
“Over his first five years in the red, white and blue, Laith has displayed some really exciting attributes on the field that benefit the way the Bulldogs play,” Power said.
“Laith has played some important roles for the football club, including during the 2021 finals series, culminating in playing as the sub in the grand final.”
“Given Laith’s age and experience we feel he has plenty of improvement still left in him and we’re excited as a club to see what he can produce in the next few seasons.”