Lachie Hunter has put pen to paper on a new three year contract extension, keeping him at the kennel until at least the end of the 2019 season.
Speaking with westernbulldogs.com.au on Tuesday afternoon, Hunter said he was excited to be extending his stay at VU Whitten Oval.
“It’s obviously a great honour to be able to play for the Club for another three years, and it’s awesome that they’ve shown the faith in me.
“I’m looking forward to getting into it.”
Hunter joins fellow young guns Marcus Bontemeplli, Jake Stringer and Tom Liberatore in committing to the Club long term over the last 18 months, something that he said had a big impact on his own decision to extend his current deal.
“You’ve grown up with these blokes over the last three and four years that have come in and different stages, so to know most of them are going to be there for a little while is awesome as well.”
Hunter said the closeness of the group off the field has an undeniable impact how the group plays on field.
“Everyone wants to help and support, and especially down in defence, you see guys always coming off to support whether that be in the air or on the ground and that’s something we really want to show.
“That’s been coming out in our game and hopefully that continues to.”
Hunter averaged 29 disposals a game over the final eight matches of 2015, and has carried over that strong form into the new season, notching up 66 touches and 20 marks over the opening two rounds, including a best-afield performance against St.Kilda last weekend.
“Obviously comes off the back of a long hard pre-season, and to see the rewards in round one and two, not only for the team, but personally as well is awesome and makes it all worth it.,” he said.
“That really helped my confidence toward the back end of last year, being able to influence games a bit more, I’ve really tried to take that into this year and keep that going.”
Western Bulldogs List Manager Jason McCartney said Hunter’s signature was an important one for the Club and its overall list retention strategy.
“Lachie is an extremely talented young player who has displayed excellent signs already in his young career.”
“From a list retention standpoint, he was someone we’ve identified as playing an important role in our future, and we are pleased to have him re-commit for a further three years.”
Hunter was taken as a father-son selection, pick 49 overall in the 2012 draft, and is the son of former Bulldog Mark Hunter, who played 130 games for the Club between 1988-1996.
