Carlton has re-signed wingman Blake Acres to a new two-year contract extension, while a Bulldogs forward has recommitted to the Kennel.
Acres, who was already contracted at Princes Park until the end of next year, has extended his agreement by two more years, keeping him with the Blues until the end of the 2027 season.
This extension will see Acres enter his fifth season with Carlton and his 14th in the AFL, having begun his career with St Kilda in 2014 before moving to Fremantle six years later.
Acres has proven to be a valuable acquisition for the Blues since joining the club before last season, playing 25 games in his first year back in Melbourne and establishing himself as one of the top wingmen in the competition.
The West Perth product has maintained his impressive form this year under coach Michael Voss, making 14 appearances so far. Carlton list manager Nick Austin praised Acres, stating he has been a leader for the Blues with his two-way efforts.
“Blake is a talented and reliable player, and his ability to impact play at both ends of the ground is a real asset for the team,” Austin said in a club announcement.
“He shows a great amount of composure in high-pressure moments. He knows what’s expected of him and consistently executes his role for the team.
“Embracing roles in the side has become something the playing group prides itself on, and Blake has really led the way in that regard.”
Acres, who finished sixth in Carlton’s best and fairest count last year, has played 159 career games across his time with three clubs.
Meanwhile, off-contract Western Bulldogs forward Rhylee West has signed a two-year extension to stay with the Dogs until the end of 2026.
West is on track to achieve a career-high season for games played in 2024, needing just two more appearances to surpass his previous best of 14 games, set in 2022.
The 23-year-old is having arguably his best season under coach Luke Beveridge, scoring 17 goals in his 13 games this year, already surpassing his previous best by six goals.
“It’s exciting – I’m happy to be here at this footy club,” West said in a club statement.
“Since I got here six years ago, the group has been very tight. I’ve grown with this group and also seen them grow too.”
“Reflecting on my journey so far, it’s obviously been a bit of a longer one – getting to 50 games – but I’m definitely grateful for how it has turned out.
“Without those challenges, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
West, the son of club great Scott West, has played 50 games in the blue, white, and red since debuting in the 2019 season.
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