Blues nudge ahead in battle for Western Bulldogs free agent

Carlton have taken the lead in the competition for the signature of Western Bulldogs key defender Buku Khamis, offering him a longer and more lucrative contract than the Bulldogs can currently provide. Khamis, 26, has received a proposal from the Blues for a minimum of four years, surpassing the three-year deal reportedly on the table from his current club. This move comes amid ongoing negotiations, with the Bulldogs still holding the option to improve their offer should they wish to retain the player. Khamis has not yet committed to either club, focusing instead on supporting the Bulldogs' 2026 campaign before making a decision on his future. His choice will hinge not only on financial incentives but also on the specific role he would play moving forward. At the Bulldogs, he has frequently been deployed as a key defender due to the need for depth in the position, often partnering with James O’Donnell and adapting based on the availability of swingman Rory Lobb. Meanwhile, the emergence of Michael Sellwood as a reliable intercept marking defender has added further complexity to Khamis's potential future within the team. If Khamis joins Carlton, he would serve as a third tall defender alongside all-Australian Jacob Weitering and rising talent Harry Dean. The Blues already have veteran Nick Haynes, who remains unsigned, and promising prospect Harry O’Farrell, who is recovering from a knee reconstruction. This setup suggests that Khamis would fit into a competitive defensive unit, potentially enhancing Carlton’s depth in the key positions. Last year, Carlton missed the opportunity to secure Khamis via trade, as they were preoccupied with finalizing the deal that sent Charlie Curnow to Sydney. Now, as an unrestricted free agent, Khamis holds the advantage of being able to move freely without the Bulldogs having the ability to match any offer. This dynamic adds urgency to the Bulldogs’ efforts to strengthen their defensive options, particularly with their interest in attracting Adelaide’s Jordon Butts, a 195cm key defender who has been playing in the SANFL. While Butts is a compelling target, the Bulldogs must contend with the fact that Adelaide retains the right to keep him if he wishes to stay, unlike Butts, whose contract allows for greater mobility. The Bulldogs’ pursuit of defensive reinforcements extends beyond Khamis and Butts. Essendon’s Jordan Ridley, who is under contract until 2029, is also anticipated to explore his market, adding to the growing demand for quality defenders across the league. Clubs are increasingly seeking defensive stability, especially with the upcoming challenges ahead. The Western Bulldogs’ recent performance has underscored the importance of securing such talent. Their victory over the Tigers highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of their current squad. Despite the win, the Bulldogs recognize the need for continued improvement, particularly in maintaining consistency throughout matches. As they prepare for a tough encounter with Fremantle, coach Luke Beveridge emphasized the significance of building upon their success while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. The Bulldogs’ ability to attract and retain high-caliber defenders like Khamis will be crucial in their quest for sustained success.