Gowers next to extend his deal

WESTERN Bulldogs attacking revelation Billy Gowers will soon join Tigers midfielder Jack Higgins in signing a contract extension in his first year.

Higgins has penned a new deal through to 2021 after 11 promising games.

Richmond is aware of the potential for him to grow into a Punt Road cult hero given his refreshingly open nature, but is mindful of not overexposing the goalkicker.

The No. 17 draft pick has already progressed into the midfield, the announcement of his signature coming only a day after Alex Rance’s two-year extension to 2021.

Richmond star Jack Riewoldt yesterday lauded 28-yearold Rance’s decision to sign for less than he could receive on the open market.

The four-time All Australian is one of the game’s elite, likely to set a record for a full back in winning five consecutive All-Australian jackets.

Higgins will be joined in signing his deal by Fremantle’s top-10 selection Adam Cerra, the Dockers midfielder confirming he was keen to sign a two-year extension.

Western Bulldogs forward Gowers has been one of the finds of the season, leading the Dogs’ goalkicking tally with 21 goals. Dogs list manager Sam Power yesterday said he was involved in “positive discussions” with Gowers’s manager Paul Connors.

That contract would likely be at least two years given his explosive qualities, shown in a brilliant kung-fu style goal in recent weeks.

The No. 9 pick in last year’s rookie draft admits he wasn’t ready when first drafted by Carlton, but is now yet another Blues recruit to thrive elsewhere. Amazingly, he is one of only three Dogs players with double-figure goal tallies, ahead of Marcus Bontempelli (16) and Mitch Wallis (12).

Recognised key talls Tom Boyd and Josh Schache have six goals, Jordan Roughead five and Tory Dickson four.