Western Bulldogs set to re-sign Peel Thunder defender Michael Sellwood for 2026 AFL season

Mid-season draftee Michael Sellwood is set to be rewarded for a promising start to his career at the Western Bulldogs with a one-year contract extension. The West Australian understands Sellwood will re-sign for 2026 after being recruited to the kennel with pick No.5 in this year’s mid-season rookie draft. Sellwood, 21, has been in good form for the Bulldogs’ VFL side Footscray, averaging 24 disposals in his past six games, including a season-high 29 touches and 11 marks against Carlton at the weekend. The Peel Thunder product was one of four players recruited from the WAFL in May alongside Lachlan Blakiston, Archer May (both Essendon) and Roan Steele (Collingwood). Sellwood only signed a six-month deal initially but will now get a first full pre-season under his belt as he looks to break into the AFL side next year. “I know Bulldogs are a strong side, they’ve got some really good players, especially in the backline, so my expectations aren’t to play straight away. I’ve just got to earn my stripes and play some good footy, whether that’s in the VFL,” Sellwood told The West Australian after being drafted. “You’ve just got to play your stuff and it sort of goes from there.” Sellwood’s rise comes after a stand-out 43-game career for the Thunder which included a premiership before he averaged 24 touches and seven marks in the first seven games of the season before being picked up. His second game for Footscray ended in tough fashion when he collided with Richmond’s Jacob Bauer in the opening minutes at Marvel Stadium, which left him with a concussion. Footscray finished top of the VFL ladder with a 15-3 record, meaning Sellwood will get a taste of September action in his first season at the Victorian club.