A key domino has fallen into the Western Bulldogs’ potential salary quiz, with star onballer Jack Macrae signing a five-year contract extension.
The Bulldogs confirmed on Monday that Macrae, 27, will remain at the club until at least the end of the 2027 season. He will almost certainly end his career at the club.
The brilliant ball winner was central to the Bulldogs’ success – including the 2016 flag – under coach Luke Beveridge. He claimed his third straight All-Australian Blazer last year and the Gary Ayres medal for best player of the final.
Jack Macrae.Credit:AFL Photos
He has played 185 games for the Bulldogs since being picked with Pick No. 6 in the 2012 National Draft. Last year, he broke the VFL-AFL season record of 15 games with at least 30 possessions per game.
Load
Now that Macrae is secured, the Bulldogs will look to re-sign fellow All-Australians and free agents Bailey Dale and Caleb Daniel. They come with Bailey Smith, Josh Dunkley, Tim English, Jason Johannisen and Toby McLean to sign this season.
English, from Western Australia, is a focus of the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle, but his management insists he is happy in Melbourne, while Dale says he has not rushed to get a deal made.
The Bulldogs will look to recover from their season-opening loss to Melbourne when they face a newborn Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night. A major concern is the fitness of skipper Marcus Bontempelli, who was injured on Wednesday and is struggling with an ankle problem.
The Blues will be without coach Michael Voss and striker Jack Martin, who are on health and safety records.
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