Player Contract Status

[The Doctor]

Ryan Gardner: 2020 (Rookie)

He's earnt a new contract me thinks

[Axe Man]

Wood’s new deal nearly done

THE WESTERN Bulldogs have all but locked in 2016 premiership skipper Easton Wood to a new contract.

Discussions on a deal for the important defender had started prior to the COVID-19 contract freeze but were delayed as the AFL prohibited clubs from confirming any extensions.

However the Dogs are set to secure Wood for what is expected to be another two years, taking the 31-year-old through to the end of 2022.

Wood told AFL.com.au this week he was keen to put pen to paper.

"It's as good as done, which is really positive. I'll be here for a little while yet," Wood said.

"There's just a few formalities and bits and pieces to tidy up so it's not technically done yet but I'm not going to be anywhere else."

Wood loomed as the Bulldogs' priority signing this year with the club's list management team having locked away most of their key players beyond 2020.

The high-leaping defender is a chance to return from a hamstring injury against Hawthorn in Adelaide on Sunday after suffering the minor strain against Geelong in round 14.

He remains a key part of the Bulldogs' backline as they attempt to return to the finals after a strong run of form in the second half of this season.

The impending contract extension will see Wood, who skippered the Dogs to their historic premiership four years ago as injured captain Bob Murphy's stand-in, be a Bulldog for life.

He took on the role permanently for the 2018-19 seasons before handing on the job to superstar midfielder Marcus Bontempelli ahead of the 2020 campaign.

[bornadog]

Good news, we need to keep some older wiser heads, especially in the backline.

[comrade]

2 years for a 31 year old with a long history of soft tissue issues?

[Axe Man]

2 years for a 31 year old with a long history of soft tissue issues?

I'm not sure why he couldn't be signed on 1 year deals from here as many players over 30 do?

[bornadog]

2 years for a 31 year old with a long history of soft tissue issues?

Other than 2018 injuries he has not missed many games over the last 6 years. In fact an average of 3 per year (discounting 2018)

[Happy Days]

I don't see the need for the second year but it's not exactly backbreaking either.

[Ozza]

Happy to have Woody sign on for another 2.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Let's face it, we need all the leadership we can get. On form alone, 2 years might be 1 too many but I think his experience and leadership warrant an extra year. If Morris was one year younger he'd be an enormous difference for us this season.

[Grantysghost]

I thought 1, but I'm ok with 2. Looking after the premiership captain I can live with it.

[The Doctor]

excellent news

[whythelongface]

Great to have Easton sign up for another 2. Will more than likely see him retire by the end of it. He still adds value as a player but more importantly he plays a key mentoring role for some of the younger guys.

[Bulldog4life]

Yes happy for Woody to get 2 year contract. Great influence around the club too.

[comrade]

Yes happy for Woody to get 2 year contract. Great influence around the club too.

There's no denying that, but why lock him in for 2 years, especially after an injury plagued year like his 2020 has been? I'd be more happy if we gave him 1 year, no issues at all, and then re-assess at the end of 2021.

[Axe Man]

There's no denying that, but why lock him in for 2 years, especially after an injury plagued year like his 2020 has been? I'd be more happy if we gave him 1 year, no issues at all, and then re-assess at the end of 2021.

Only thing I can think of is in the negotiations Easton was willing to accept less $$$ for the extra security of a 2 year deal?

Eg: 1 year on $400k v 2 years on $300k.*


*Please note figures completely made up