Western Bulldogs defender Buku Khamis remains undecided about his AFL future despite a substantial contract offer from his current club. The 26-year-old, who is out of contract, has elected to delay any decisions until the latter part of the season, even though the Bulldogs have presented him with a three-year deal to remain at the Kennel.

Khamis, who faced the possibility of a move to Carlton during the recent trade period due to limited opportunities, has since established himself as a key figure in the Bulldogs’ defense. This season, he has played every game and delivered a standout performance on Sunday by effectively containing St Kilda’s Liam Ryan. Ryan, who had scored 11 goals in his previous two matches, was held goalless by Khamis in a display of tight defensive work.

Sources close to the club indicate that increasing the offer to a four-year contract, which would retain Khamis at the Bulldogs through to the end of 2030, could significantly influence his decision in the club’s favor. Despite this, Khamis has emphasized his desire to focus on his performance before committing to a long-term agreement.

Reflecting on last year’s trade interest from Carlton, Khamis described it as a past matter. “I feel like that was a long time ago now,” he said. “I am really happy playing here and I am just trying to do my best for the team week to week.”

As the Bulldogs contend with an undermanned defense, Khamis’s role has grown in importance. His willingness to wait before making contractual commitments suggests he is prioritizing his development and contribution on the field over immediate contract negotiations. The Bulldogs will likely continue to monitor his performances closely as they seek to secure one of their emerging defensive talents.