Bulldogs Make Bold Play for Saints Star Callum Wilkie
The Western Bulldogs are shaking things up in the trade market, and their latest move has raised plenty of eyebrows across the AFL world. After missing out on Carlton free agent Jack Silvagni, the Bulldogs have turned their attention to one of St Kilda’s most reliable defenders — Callum Wilkie. And let’s be clear, they’re not just testing the waters here; this is a serious play.
Reports suggest the Bulldogs have tabled a massive four-year offer, believed to be worth more than a million dollars per season. That’s over $4 million in total, a figure that makes this one of the most aggressive pitches we’ve seen in recent times. It’s not often that a defender commands that kind of money, but Wilkie isn’t just any defender. Since arriving at St Kilda, he has built a reputation as one of the most consistent and dependable backs in the competition.
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Now, here’s the twist: Wilkie is contracted at St Kilda through to 2027. He signed a four-year extension back in 2023, and since then, his value has only grown. He’s become an All-Australian, he’s won the Trevor Barker Medal as St Kilda’s best and fairest, and within the club he’s widely regarded as a future captain. At 29 years old, he’s due to turn 30 before next season begins, but age hasn’t slowed him down. If anything, his experience and leadership make him even more appealing to a club like the Bulldogs.
From the Dogs’ perspective, the interest makes a lot of sense. They’ve got a handful of younger defenders developing — names like James O’Donnell, Jedd Busslinger, and Buku Khamis — but what they really lack is an experienced general in the backline. Someone who can not only shut down the opposition’s best forwards but also guide and steady a young group. Wilkie ticks every box.
But there are complications. St Kilda, for one, won’t want to lose him. Not only is he central to their defensive structure, but he’s also seen as a cultural leader within the group. And with the Saints having already been active in chasing recruits like Tom De Koning, Liam Ryan, and Leek Aleer, they’d hardly want to lose one of their cornerstones at the same time.
This all sets up a fascinating tug-of-war. On one hand, the Bulldogs are throwing serious money at Wilkie in hopes of prising him out of Moorabbin. On the other hand, the Saints will be desperate to hold their man, knowing just how crucial he is to their future. Whether Wilkie can be convinced to make the switch remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this is a storyline that could define the trade period.
In the end, it’s not just about money. It’s about legacy, leadership, and the chance to be part of something new. If Wilkie stays, he could very well be the next St Kilda captain. If he goes, he becomes the linchpin in a Bulldogs defense that’s crying out for experience. Either way, the decision will be one of the most talked-about moves of this trade season.
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