With just under 50 days until the Bulldogs’ Opening Round clash with Brisbane, electric forward Rhylee West says the team is in a good spot. 

West, who put pen to paper on a four-year contract extension this week, said he hopes finding some of his own consistency will in turn help the team find some consistency too. 

“Definitely over the last couple of years, I feel like I'm starting to establish myself and play the footy that I want to play,” West said. 

“Hopefully I can do that over the next four years and longer. I just want to add to the consistency of my game and add to the consistency of the team. 

“The club's in a really good spot at the moment - we've got a strong list and some really big leaders, so I think as long as we're getting on their coattails…I think we can do some special things.

“We’ve got a lot to give and hopefully we can start doing that this year.”

Entering his ninth season as a Dog, West said while he expects to line-up in the forward line once again, he won’t say no to an opportunity in the midfield.  

“I’ll definitely spend some time in the forward line again – I thought I had some consistent stuff there last year so hopefully I can keep building on that,” West said.

“(If) Brendon Lade gives me some minutes in the midfield, I’ll happily take them. Hopefully I can just keep building (wherever that is).”

The Bulldogs will officially launch their 2026 AFL season at the Fan Fest this Saturday at Mission Whitten Oval, with the countdown to this year’s season proper fast approaching. 

“Pre-season’s been great fun so far – we’ve got just under 50 days until Opening Round which we get to play in this year, which is really exciting,” West said. 

“We’re just getting ready and getting prepped for Brissy up at the Gabba. Hopefully we can put on a show and get our first win of the season.”