Western Bulldogs fans can breathe a sigh of relief as star ruck Tim English looks set to stay at the club for at least next season.
English was reported to be considering a move to GWS this trade period as speculation grew that he was disgruntled at the Western Bulldogs.
There were details about his wife, Rudi Ellis, having moved to Sydney for her netball career.
The 29-year-old ruckman's manager Andrew McDougall spoke on AFL Trade Radio on Friday and assured Bulldogs fans that English was keen to stay at The Kennel.
"Tim is committed to the Bulldogs," McDougall said.
"Three years to go on his deal. Wants to play alongside (Zak) Butters and obviously wants to win a premiership. Tim will be staying at the Dogs.”
The expected addition of Port Adelaide superstar Butters to the Western Bulldogs this off-season appears to have influenced English's decision.
Butters and the return of star key forward Sam Darcy from an ACL injury will make the Dogs a genuine premiership contender, along the likes of Brisbane, Geelong, Hawthorn and Fremantle next season.
Speaking of the Dockers, veteran utility Bailey Banfield is unlikely to receive a contract offer from the club for 2027 and beyond.
However, Banfield's AFL career may live on with his manager, McDougall, stating that two Victorian clubs were interested in signing the 28-year-old.
Banfield is considered a person of outstanding character at Fremantle, and he won the 2026 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award on Brownlow Medal night.
The experienced Docker has played 119 games for the club since being drafted as a mature-age recruit from Claremont in the WAFL in 2017.
