English signs on in win for Dogs

RUCK prodigy Tim English will be a Western Bulldog for at least the next three seasons after signing a contract extension.

Already signed for next season, the 21-year-old will be at Whitten Oval until at least the end of 2022 in a deal announced by the club yesterday.

English had been expected to attract interest from his home state Western Australia next year after emerging as the heir apparent to Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy.

“Naturally, ruckmen take time to develop, but Tim has taken some big steps this year at AFL level,” Western Bulldogs list manager Sam Power said yesterday.

“His athleticism and ground-level work is exceptional for a big man, he is a good decision-maker with the ball and he is getting stronger and is able to assert himself in the air.”

English has averaged 13 disposals, four marks and 18 hitouts in 12 games this year, taking his career tally to 21 matches.

The No.19 draft pick from 2016, English said he was “loving my time in Melbourne”.

Power added: “Tim is one of the most exciting young ruckmen in the competition and we are thrilled to have him recommit.”

English’s extension follows the retention of Lachie Hunter, Caleb Daniel, Tom Liberatore, Aaron Naughton, Josh Dunkley and Pat Lipinski. ESSENDON expects star duo Joe Daniher and Devon Smith to be fit to report for duty on the first day of pre-season following successful surgeries.

The Bombers suffered twin blows in May when they announced Daniher needed a season-ending groin operation and that Smith’s campaign would be brought to a close by knee surgery.

Both players carried their respective issues into the 2019 season after struggling with them last year. But it is hoped the pair will start preparations for 2020 with a clean slate after positive post-operation reports.