I want to be a Dog
WESTERN Bulldogs ruckman Tim English is keen to remain at the club long-term but will wait until midway through next season until considering a new deal.
English was unable to assert himself in the ruck this year and Melbourne’s centre square dominance against the 24-year-old and Stef Martin was critical in the momentumchanging third term.
The Dogs are on the lookout for ruck and defensive cover even as they offer Martin another one-year deal to remain next year.
Port Adelaide ruck-forward Peter Ladhams is contracted but on the market and Geelong is one of several clubs that is aware he is very gettable.
The Cats have a welter of midrange picks and despite re-signing Rhys Stanley would be one club that would clearly benefit from the 23year-old’s services.
Geelong has a tight cap given their established stars but a player like Ladhams, on the last year of a threeyear deal next season, would not require a massive financial commitment despite his upside.
The Dogs are yet to register a strong interest in Ladhams despite being aware of his determination to play more ruck after being stuck behind English’s partner Rudi Ellis has just signed a two-year deal to play with the West Coast Fever in the Super Netball competition but he is keen to remain in Melbourne. He is happy with his current forward-ruck split and has strong relationships at the Dogs as a long-time housemate of fellow Dogs forward Aaron Naughton
David King was scathing of English’s ruck performance against Max Gawn and Luke Jackson on Monday and said the Dogs needed to act swiftly.
“Luke Beveridge has to make the call here. Is this the guy? What he did in the ruck was uncompetitive. Are you living with that?
“I think you have got to make the call. Stef Martin is a short-term fix. Is he one name you can throw up for trade?”