"I want to finish my career here": Out-of-contract Dog speaks on future at the Kennel

The Gary Ayres medallist is among a large group of star Bulldogs yet to commit past this year.

EDITOR | February 8, 2022 - 11:47am

Out-of-contract Western Bulldogs star Jack Macrae has reassured fans his future lies at Whitten Oval.

The 27-year-old is among a bevy of senior Dogs yet to recommit to the club past this year, with Macrae's signature sure to be highly coveted in the coming months.

Bailey Dale, Caleb Daniel, Josh Dunkley, Tim English, Bailey Smith and Jason Johannisen join Macrae is being unsigned for 2023.

While the Dogs face an uphill battle to retain all seven of the aforementioned off-contract players, Macrae has stated his desire to end his career in the blue, white and red.

"I think it's no secret that everyone knows how much I love this club and how proud I am to represent this club every week," Macrae told media this week.

"I obviously want to retire as a Western Bulldogs player.

"I can't be any more black and white than that, I want to finish my career here.

"I'll leave it to the manager and leave it there."

Macrae, who claimed the 2021 Gary Ayres Medal as the best player of last year's finals series, was appointed vice-captain of the Bulldogs for the 2022 season.

The Oakleigh Chargers product will be Marcus Bontempelli's right-hand man, with Daniel joining forward Aaron Naughton and veteran Taylor Duryea in the leadership group.

Daniel and English could gain attention from interstate clubs should their off-contract status continue deep into the year, with the pair hailing from South Australia and West Australia respectively.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 24: Caleb Daniel of the Bulldogs handballs whilst being tackled by Taylor Adams of the Magpies during the round one AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Western Bulldogs at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 24, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The former has emerged as one of the most accurate users of the Sherrin in recent years, prompting former Adelaide and Geelong forward Josh Jenkins to believe the Dogs should offer the 25-year-old a five-year deal worth close to $600,000 per season.

“I’d pay good money to get Caleb Daniel, serious coin,” Jenkins said on SEN.

“I would pay him close to $600,000 to be my distributor out of the back half.

“I know he’s got some limitations defending because of his size, but he is the most creative kick in the game.”

The Bulldogs will face the Bombers and Lions as part of their pre-season schedule before a grand final rematch against Melbourne on Wednesday, March 16.