Western Bulldogs key defender James O’Donnell said he 'can’t believe' he gets to stay in the red, white and blue until the end of 2029.

A former cricketer, O’Donnell had a unique AFL journey, but as a third-generation VFL/AFL player it was meant to be.

O’Donnell was signed on as a rookie in 2023 and is now four seasons into his AFL career.

“It was an incredibly easy decision from where I came from and being plucked out of nowhere by the Club, it's just been such a crazy journey,” O’Donnell said.

“Just to be in this position is so cool to me and I still pinch myself that I’m here and that I’m playing, doing what I love and what I’ve dreamt of as a kid.”

O’Donnell has been a central part of the team's defence this season and said he is thrilled to stay at the Kennel and continue to grow within the squad.

“This little milestone is a bit of a stepping stone, to continue to be here at such a great club but also grow myself and be the player that I want to be,” he said.

“I'm super grateful and excited and proud and all those great things.

“I'm really, really excited to be at the Bulldogs for a longer period.”

O’Donnell praised his playing group and their tight bond, saying the relationship with his teammates is part of the reason why he was keen to stay at the club.

“We have such a close group,” he said. “I've got great mates here, in the backline and out of the backline, as well as the coaches and even the past players,” he said.

“Working with guys like Buku (Khamis) this year and Buss (Jed Busslinger) and Coff (Nick Coffield) in my area, it's been awesome.

“I’ve got such great relationships here and I’m really lucky to call those lads mates and people that I work with.

“To have such good relationships with guys that I’ve looked up to and I can work with now, I think that's something that I look back and cherish a lot over the last four years.”

Backline coach Daniel Pratt said O’Donnell has been a 'shining light' for the Bulldogs defence, as a player that has continued to improve his game and lead others over this past season.

“JOD’s (James O’Donnell) one of the few guys who've really grown this year, he’s a leader, he wants to improve, he understands his game really well,” Pratt said.

“His attention to detail during the week, his time with myself and other coaches has been first class.”

O’Donnell’s growth as a leader has been something he has continued to work towards this season. He said he is excited to further expand upon his skills.

“I’ve enjoyed the added responsibility of being a little bit more experienced and stepping up a little bit from a leadership point of view,” he said.

“It's something that definitely excites me and I’ll look to continue to try and help others and grow in my own space to try and build that leadership profile.

“Everyone leads in their own way but I’ve definitely enjoyed that opportunity and responsibility.”

O’Donnell spoke on having secured a spot in the Wildcard Round and how this security has been a welcome change compared to his last three years with the side.

“It's super exciting that we’ve locked away a finals position already,” he said. “I think in the first few years that I was here we were in a bit of limbo.”

“I think there's a few things we need to clean up and improve on… but I think from a group point of view there’s a lot of excitement and optimism just to see what we can do and what we can put together,” he said.

“You never know, and that's the great thing about footy, it's anyone’s game on anyone’s day.”