PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 24: Kieren Briggs of the Giants compete in a ruck contest with Harry Barnett of the Eagles of the Eagles during the 2024 AFL Round 02 match between the West Coast Eagles and the GWS GIANTS at Optus Stadium on March 24, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
The Western Bulldogs have held off an attempted raid from West Australian clubs and re-signed All Australian ruckman Tim English on a five-year contract.
It means the Bulldogs have now locked away key talls, including Aaron Naughton and Jamara Ugle-Hagan, on long-term deals, with another contract looming for rising star Sam Darcy.
English, 27, was out of contract at the end of the season and was being tempted by a move back to WA, where he was drafted from. He had previously considered moving to the West Coast Eagles in 2022 when he was last out of contract but baulked then and has again this time.
His partner, netballer Rudi Ellis, had been playing with the West Coast Fever but is now with the Melbourne Vixens, ensuring English could remain settled in Victoria and he’ll stay with the Bulldogs through to the end of the 2029 season.
“There are so many different factors that go into a decision, but I really want to win a premiership, that’s the ultimate goal for me at a football club.
“I feel like we have the opportunity to do that here and that would the best way to give back to the club. As a group we’re capable and everyone is putting in the work to get better and achieve that.”
English has played 129 games for the Bulldogs, kicking 76 goals across his eight seasons.
Western Bulldogs list boss Sam Power said English was “such an important part of this football club”.
“And we’re so pleased he’s remaining at Mission Whitten Oval long term,” Power said.
“As the reigning All Australian ruckman, Tim has been critical in our club’s strong performances throughout the year, regularly impacting games with his athleticism.
“His ability to get involved around the ground and use the ball as a ruckman has been a valuable asset to our side, underlining him as one of the most damaging big men in the competition.
“We still firmly believe Tim’s best football is ahead of him at 27, with a five-year extension highlighting his faith in our program, staff and players moving forward.”
