WBFC - Player Contract Status

[bornadog]

Rehab first, then contract talks for Libba

THE WESTERN Bulldogs will ramp up contract talks with free agent Tom Liberatore later in the season as he continues his recovery from a second knee reconstruction.

The premiership midfielder went down with the injury in round one after a strong pre-season following a disappointing 2017 campaign.

The 26-year-old falls out of contract at the end of the season, but the Dogs' new list manager Sam Power told AFL.com.au's Road to the Draft podcast that the club's focus has been Liberatore's recovery.

"We're having constant discussions with Tom, and the priority for Tom, which the club and his management agreed, was to really focus on his rehab in that initial phase," Power said.

"To Tom's credit he's attacked it really well so far, so we'll get to that in terms of deeper discussions at the appropriate time in the back half of the year."

Liberatore, who has played 117 games for the Dogs, missed the entire 2015 season with a reconstruction to his other knee. Power was reluctant to put a timeline on when discussions would intensify.

"We'll just keep assessing it. It's been purely [about] getting his rehab right, getting him feeling really comfortable and back into the club," he said.

"Obviously when he first did the knee he was away resting for a period of the time. He's back in at the club now and is getting into more training.

"It's one that, again, [we're] in constant communications with his manager and everyone's really comfortable with where it's at."

Liberatore is one of several free agents on the Dogs' list this year, alongside Luke Dahlhaus and Dale Morris as unrestricted agents. Jordan Roughead and Mitch Wallis qualify as restricted free agents.

Power provided an update on the status of the out-of-contract players on the Road to the Draft podcast, and also touched on the future of star Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli.

Bontempelli is signed through to the end of 2019, but initial talks have opened to extend his stay ahead of the start of next season.

"It's all been really positive at this stage. Obviously, they can take a while and given he isn't out until the end of next year, there's no real rush right at the moment.

"But in saying that it's all been really positive and all the indications from both parties have been really good," Power said.

[Topdog]

Seems like we are finally taking a hard line with the players

[Axe Man]

Naughton re-signs

Promising young Western Bulldogs defender Aaron Naughton has extended his contract with the Club.

The 18-year-old, who has impressed in his debut season so far, will remain at the Bulldogs until at least the end of the 2020 season.

“We had no hesitation in working on a contract extension for Aaron, and we’re excited to get it locked away at this point of his debut season,” said Bulldogs General Manager of List and Recruiting, Sam Power.

“The way he has tackled the task of integrating into the club, working hard on the training track, winning a spot in the team and holding his own against some of the best forwards in the competition has been very impressive.

“We’re looking forward to seeing Aaron continue to improve as his career progresses at the Bulldogs.”

Naughton, from Western Australia, was taken with pick nine in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft and has made an immediate impact at VU Whitten Oval, making his debut in the opening round of the season.

He played eight straight matches as a key defender, averaging 11 disposals and four marks per game, with injury restricting him since Round 9.

The Club’s second choice in last year’s National Draft, Ed Richards, also extended his contract earlier this season.

[bornadog]

Old Dog opens talks to stay at the Kennel

[The Doctor]

Old Dog opens talks to stay at the Kennel

1 Year me thinks

[FrediKanoute]

I'd go 2 on current form, but the second with games played and form incentives

[GVGjr]

Old Dog opens talks to stay at the Kennel

I hope we can get him signed, based on his performances this year he might still have his best football in front of him.

[bornadog]

I hope we can get him signed, based on his performances this year he might still have his best football in front of him.

I love watching his kicking, he was really missed tonight.

[bornadog]

Mclean signs on

Western Bulldogs midfielder Toby McLean has signed a three-year contract extension to remain at VU Whitten Oval.
The 22-year-old, who was due to come out of contract at the end of the 2019 season, has committed to the Club until at least the end of the 2022 season.

McLean has been a shining light for the Bulldogs this season, playing every game so far and averaging 25 disposals and six tackles per game, as well as kicking nine goals.

He is second at the Club for average tackles, third for average disposals and clearances and fourth for average inside 50s and contested possessions.

“It’s fantastic for Toby and the Club that we were able to secure him for an extra three years,” said Bulldogs’ General Manager of List and Recruiting, Sam Power.

“The improvement we’ve seen in Toby’s game has been great to watch. He has established himself as a tough and courageous inside midfielder with an ability to impact in the forward half.

“Pleasingly for us, his best years are well and truly ahead of him, and we look forward to seeing him continue to improve his game.”
McLean is in his fourth season at the Bulldogs, after being selected with the Club’s first selection (pick 26) in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft.

“I was really excited when they came to me and said they wanted to sign me. For it to be another four years, I’m stoked,” McLean said.
“The Club has really looked after me. The people around the place is what really drives you to be the player and the person that you are.”

[bornadog]

Let's turn this into a long contract extension:

"I'm so committed to the Western Bulldogs Football Club, for me that doesn't even enter my thought process."

Marcus Bontempelli on other potential offers through his manager

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Let's turn this into a long contract extension:

When was that said?

[bornadog]

When was that said?

This morning on his stint on RSN radio. I will put up the audio as soon as I can.

Edit: listen here

[chef]

Until he signs something words dont mean jack. I'll be pretty worried if nothing happens this season.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Until he signs something words dont mean jack. I'll be pretty worried if nothing happens this season.

I agree. Words do mean jack. But that was pretty emphatic. Agree though, he should be signed up by the end of the year. If he isn't as we enter next season we'll be in a spot of bother

[ledge]

We should have learnt from the Ward debacle.