WESTERN Bulldogs defender Fletcher Roberts has signed a new two-year contract, tying him to the Whitten Oval until at least the end of 2017.

 

Roberts started the season in the VFL but he has played every game since his promotion in round five, lining up on some of the AFL's most dangerous forwards.

 

The 22-year-old, who can play at either end of the ground, is blossoming under new coach Luke Beveridge and shapes as a valuable part of the new regime's arsenal.

 

Roberts' opponents this season have included Jay Schulz and Jeremy Cameron, with St Kilda star Nick Riewoldt teaching him some valuable lessons two weeks ago.

 

"Forwards stop and have a little rest, [but Riewoldt] just keeps going," he told The Age.  

 

"Obviously when forwards have a little rest you can have a rest too, but you play on him and there's not much rest."

 

Roberts, who has played 16 games since he was recruited in the 2011 NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft, is likely to remain in defence after his impressive campaign so far in 2015.

 

He said the Bulldogs, who face Gold Coast on Saturday at Cazaly's Stadium, had discussed the prospect of playing finals after taking their record to 8-5.