Why Carlton is prioritising Western Bulldogs defender Buku Khamis over rivals
Carlton are ahead in the race for Western Bulldogs’ key defender Buku Khamis, to whom the Blues have offered a longer and more significant deal than the Bulldogs.
Carlton, who have raised the bar in discussions compared to the Bulldogs, have offered 26-year-old Khamis a contract of at least four years.
At this stage the Dogs’ offer is three years old and is less attractive than the Blues’ offer from Khamis. Attempted to join during last year’s trading period He has one year left on his contract.
There is still a possibility the Bulldogs will increase their bid as they look to retain the defender, but at this stage industry sources say the Blues are ahead of the Dogs in the services competition.
The linebacker has yet to decide where he wants to play next season as he is solely focused on helping the Bulldogs get into the 2026 season.
Khamis’ decision will depend not only on his contract terms but also on the role he will play in the future. The Bulldogs have assigned him as a mandatory key defender this season, along with James O’Donnell, depending on the availability of swingman Rory Lobb and the role Lobb will fill.
The Bulldogs have also been impressed with Michael Sellwood’s development as a linebacker in 2026. He played in every game this season after being a midseason draft pick in 2025 and was re-signed last month through the end of 2028.
At Carlton, Khamis will be the third tall defender given the presence of all-Australian Jacob Weitering and young gun Harry Dean in key defensive positions. The Blues have veteran Nick Haynes, who is still out of contract, playing as a tall centre-back defender, and youngster Harry O’Farrell, another promising tall centre-back who is recovering from a knee reconstruction.
The Blues were unable to complete a trade for him last year as they had to negotiate on trade deadline day when Charlie Curnow joined Sydney.
As an unrestricted free agent, Khamis could move to another club without the Bulldogs having the capacity to match the offer.
Another factor at play is that the Bulldogs are keen to attract Adelaide’s key defender and free agent Jordon Butts and have made a long-term offer for him; At 195cm, Butts has genuine key position size (Khamis is 191cm) but he sits behind Mark Keane, James Borlase, Josh Worrell and Nick Murray in the pecking order in Adelaide. Butts plays in the SANFL.
Murray has interest from North Melbourne but is under contract until 2028, so unlike Butts, the Crows will have the right to keep him if he wants to leave.
Essendon defender Jordan Ridley, who has a contract until 2029, is also expected to explore the market at a time when clubs are in demand for defensive cover.
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Jake Niall is a Walkley-winning sports journalist and The Age’s chief AFL writer.Connect with: X or email.
