The Western Bulldogs are reportedly confident of locking away star out-of-contract duo Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Tim English on deals worth around $2 million combined, according to the Herald Sun.
While Ugle-Hagan has reportedly drawn “godfather offers” in the region of $1.3 million from rival clubs – including Richmond and Hawthorn – it’s understood Ugle-Hagan is expected to re-sign until 2026 or 2027.
Adding to the appeal for the 21-year old to stay at Whitten Oval is that Ugle-Hagan is best mates with Aaron Naughton, signed until 2032, and is close with skipper Marcus Bontempelli.
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Meanwhile English’s future isn’t as clear despite the All-Australian ruckman’s management opening talks with Dogs list boss Sam Power.
The 26-year old West Australian is being circled by West Coast as well as some Victorian club, while his partner, Rudi Ellis from the Melbourne Vixens, is also out of contract this year and owns a property in Perth.
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The Herald Sun reports there’s been some claims the Eagles’ interest has cooled in English in recent months, however last year’s wooden spooners are still expected to table a seven-figure salary for the ruckman.
As English is a free agent, clubs would reportedly be prepared to overpay him to lure him away from the Kennel given they wouldn’t need to give anything away in a trade. It means English could command a $1 million-a-season deal at another team, but he may need to take slightly less to stay at Whitten Oval.
Fellow Dogs star Bailey Smith, who’ll miss the 2024 season due to an ACL injury, is also out contract.
CATS’ ‘DANGEROUS WAITING GAME’ WITH HOLMES
Geelong is playing a “dangerous waiting game” with contract talks over young gun Max Holmes, as reported by theHerald Sun.
Having originally tabled a four-year extension to the 21-year old in the off-season beyond 2024, when his deal expires, the Cats are now weighing up a revised offer from Holmes’ management group, Hemisphere.
According to the report, industry sources say Holmes’ asking price is fair – around the $700,000 to $800,000 mark per season with triggers to increase it as the cap soars in the coming seasons.
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Some believe Holmes should be one of Geelong’s highest paid players after the likes of Jeremy Cameron, Tom Stewart and Patrick Dangerfield.
The Sandringham Dragons product has played 52 AFL games since making his debut in 2021, missing the Cats’ 2022 premiership win due to a hamstring strain.
MULTIPLE CLUBS CIRCLING BAKER
A host of clubs are circling Richmond free agent Liam Baker, with both West Coast and Fremantle hoping to lure the West Australian back to his home state, reports the Herald Sun.
The report states the 26-year old has put off contract talks with the Tigers as he assesses their direction under new coach Adem Yze, having started the season 0-2.
The Dockers, who are armed with three-first-round picks in this year’s draft, made a play for Baker two years ago.
It’s believed a Baker trade could net the Tigers and late first-round pick or early second rounder.
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