Western Bulldogs defender Buku Khamis has committed his long-term future to the Kennel, signing a five-year deal to remain at the Club until at least 2031.
Despite strong interest elsewhere, Khamis’s’ belief in the direction of the Club drove his decision to put pen to paper earlier this week.
The 26-year-old played every game in 2026, establishing himself as one of the most reliable elements of the Bulldogs defensive unit and playing on some of the best forwards in the game.
Khamis became the Club’s first-ever Next Generation Academy selection in 2018 after moving to Australia from South Sudan as a child, taking up AFL in his last year of primary school.
The No.24 is also an active supporter of the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, volunteering in several different capacities across programs that promote health, inclusivity and leadership across Victoria’s west.
Khamis said he was thrilled to commit his future to the Bulldogs.
“Super happy to be staying in red, white and blue.” Khamis said.
“The factors for me staying were that I wanted to play over 100 games, get the name on the locker. If the name is in gold, that means we have won a premiership, that’s the preference.
“We have a great bunch of boys and I love the staff, it is a place I can come to work every day and be happy, be myself.
“I am very grateful to be in the position I am now. To still be here eight years later is special, but I still feel like I have so much more room to grow.
“I want to thank our fanbase, the members, supporters, for the love that you show our team and myself. Playing for the red, white and blue is something I will cherish forever and don’t take it for granted.”
Bulldogs Executive Manager Men’s Football Sam Power paid tribute to Khamis’s growing influence on and off the field.
“As a Club, we’re just so pleased that Buku has decided to remain at our Club,” Power said.
“He’s such a popular member of our football club and has established himself as a key pillar of our backline, showing a great ability to intercept the ball and support his teammates in the air.
“Our commitment to Buku reflects how much we value him - as a player and as a person - with his growing consistency and durability at AFL level an exciting prospect for our Club moving forward.
“His passion for our Community Foundation and dedication of time to helping people across our community is a mark of the human being he is.
“We still believe Buku has great growth in his game moving forward and we’re excited to see him develop into the future.”
