The Western Bulldogs have landed their first player of the 2025 Continental Tyres Trade Period. 

Young defender Connor Budarick joins the Club from the Gold Coast Suns looking make an impact at Mission Whitten Oval. 

Here is everything you need to know about Budarick: 

Name: Connor Budarick
Position: Defender 
DOB: 6 April, 2001
Previous club(s):  Gold Coast Suns (2020-25) 
Junior club(s): Labrador Tigers (QAFL), Gold Coast Suns (NEAFL)
Draft: Pick 16, 2019 Rookie Draft
Debut: R1 2020 v Port Adelaide
Games: 55*

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Welcome Connor Budarick | Highlights

Check out some of Connor's highlights as we welcome him to the Kennel.

An exciting talent who can play multiple roles across the ground, new Dog Connor Budarick has found his way to Mission Whitten Oval on the second-last day of the 2025 Continental Tyres Trade Period. 

With 55 games under his belt as a Sun, the 24 year old comes to the Dogs looking to continue building on the back of strong 2025 campaign where he featured in 19 games including the Suns' inaugural finals campaign.

A Suns Academy graduate, Budarick enjoyed a strong junior career playing for Labrador in the QAFL before being named as the captain of the Suns Academy team for the 2019 season. 

Hailing from a strong football family, the young defender is expected to slot his way into the Bulldogs' mix in a variety of roles in the defensive half. 

What Michael Regan said? 

“We’re really excited to have Connor join our Club,” Regan said.

“His attributes as a small defender give us confidence he can make an immediate impact next year, playing a variety of roles in the defensive half.

“Connor has a history of being able to play on the best small forwards in the competition while providing drive from the back half.

“He has also shown versatility and been effective in multiple roles, with his speed, physicality and diligence standing out.

“Connor is fantastic character and at only 24 has the capability to continue improving as a footballer.”

The deal:

Western Bulldogs receive: Connor Budarick, Pick 70

Gold Coast Suns receive: Pick 37

Current draft hand: 

Picks 14, 33 and 70 in next month’s Telstra AFL Draft.

Player Sponsorship - If you’re interested in becoming a player sponsor for any of our new and exciting recruits, please get in touch via corporate.sales@westernbulldogs.com.au. Spots are extremely limited!