Western Bulldogs defender James O’Donnell has continued his reputation as one of the league’s emerging shutdown players, setting new defensive records at both AFL and Club level.
O’Donnell, an ex-cricketer who joined the Kennel as a Category B Rookie in 2023, performed 191 spoils, the most by any player during the 2026 home and away season.
This total is also the most spoils by any Bulldog in a single season since the stat was recorded, and the equal-fifth most of all time.
Most Spoils during a Home & Away Season (2026)
|
Player |
Games |
Spoils |
Average |
|
James O'Donnell (WBD) |
19 |
191 |
10.1 |
|
Billy Frampton (COLL) |
23 |
153 |
6.7 |
|
Buku Khamis (WBD) |
23 |
144 |
6.3 |
|
Charlie Comben (NM) |
22 |
143 |
6.5 |
|
James Borlase (ADL) |
17 |
134 |
7.9 |
|
Sam Collins (GCS) |
21 |
128 |
6.1 |
Most Spoils during a Home & Away Season (All Time)
|
Player |
Games |
Spoils |
Season |
|
Harris Andrews (BL) |
23 |
219 |
2023 |
|
Dougal Howard (PORT) |
20 |
216 |
2018 |
|
Darcy Moore (COLL) |
23 |
195 |
2024 |
|
Lewis Young (CARL) |
19 |
192 |
2022 |
|
Harris Andrews (BL) |
19 |
191 |
2019 |
|
James O'Donnell (WBD) |
19 |
191 |
2026 |
O’Donnell’s breakout year was further recognised at the Club’s 2026 best and fairest night, awarded the Gary Dempsey medal for finishing third in the overall count.
Speaking after the conclusion of the 2026 season, O’Donnell said conversations with the coaching panel caused his defensive skill set to evolve as the year rolled on.
“I definitely was happy about having an impact defensively,” he said.
“That came with having more spoils or being in more aerial contests. That’s something in my game that probably wasn’t as consistent as I would have liked and, being in my position, I’m faced with that every week.”
Working with ‘Pratty’ and talking to ‘Bevo’ and things like that, I feel like that’s been a major growth in my game.”
See below for our full post-season interview with James O'Donnell
