Western Bulldogs All-Australian ruckman, Tim English has recommitted to the club on a long term deal, signing away further five years of his services to the Kennel until 2029.
Previously out-of-contract beyond 2024, the 27-year-old tall had been one of the most speculated free agents of the season, with many pundits assuring he would return to his home state of Western Australia to likely join the West Coast Eagles.
These talks had been fuelled throughout the home & away season, as English struggled to maintain his 2023 All-Australian form this year, dropping from more than 31 hit-outs and 19 disposals a game to a reduced 27.8 hit-outs and 16.5 disposals.
The five-year extension may generate further discussion over whether English can return to his previous form and whether such a long term commitment on a presumably handsome amount is worth the risk.
“It's exciting for Rudi and me – I love life in Melbourne,” English said.
“I am really enjoying it at the Club and I've got some great mates here – it's my eighth season now and I've developed strong friendships over that time.
“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.”
The contract will take English to his age 32 season, usually the end of the road for ruckman like English, standing 208cm with a 107kg frame.
The move does secure the Western Bulldogs' primary ruck stocks with All-Australian ability for the next half-decade, something club List Manager Sam Power is thrilled to confirm.
“Tim is 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.”