There has been a ‘significant shift’ in negotiations between West Coast and their star striker in recent days.
A timeline has been highlighted for an All-Australian ruckman’s decision in the final, with the future of a two-time premiership Pie still filled with uncertainty as his experienced teammates are certain to play on.
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Magpies seek final place against swans | 00:30
‘SIGNIFICANT SHIFT’ IN STAR EAGLE’S CONTRACT TALKS
Negotiations over a long-term deal between star player Jake Waterman and the West Coast Eagles have taken a positive turn, according to SEN WA’s Tim Gossage.
Waterman is contracted until the end of 2025 but is reportedly pushing for more money for a longer-term contract after reports recently emerged suggesting Geelong were interested in the reborn Eagle.
Gossage believes the star striker will remain at the club and an announcement on a contract extension is imminent.
“My information is: don’t be surprised if we get a major announcement from West Coast in the coming days or early next week regarding the re-contract/longer-term deal for Jake Waterman,” Gossage said. SEN WA Breakfast.
“My information is that there has been a significant shift in recent times.
“There should be all this talk… and there was the so-called Geelong offer of five years and quite good money, and he has a year left on his current contract.
“But my information is quite strong that there has been a significant shift in recent days regarding his contract with West Coast, and that Jake Waterman will remain at the football club on a longer-term basis.”
Waterman has starred for the Eagles this season, scoring 48 goals from 17 games to finish fourth in the Coleman Medal race.
The 26-year-old stepped up earlier this season in the absence of co-captain Oscar Allen and that duo will thrill Eagles fans for years to come.
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TIMELINE POSTED ON FULLY AUSTRALIAN BULLDOG?
A decision on where Tim English will play in 2025 looks likely to be made sooner or later as a key meeting with his player manager looms.
After being heavily linked to the West Coast this season, English – a West Australian man – is considering a move back home.
And as one of only two restricted free agents left on the market, English’s pending ruling only continues to generate interest.
Speaking of Fox Footy’s Midweek tackleHerald Sun journalist Jay Clark revealed that while there was still no certainty about English’s future at the Kennel, a decision could be made in the next two weeks.
“This is still a bit of a line-ball call; I expect Tim English to stay with the Western Bulldogs. He has an important meeting with his manager Andrew McDougall in the next two weeks and I expect him to recommit,” Clark said.
“The prospect and specter of team success could be the big hook to get his signature on paper.”
Coach Luke Beveridge was asked about English during his weekly training press conference yesterday.
“The conversations with Tim and his management have been very positive – especially recently; Whether a decision is imminent or not, I’m not sure, but there is absolutely no pressure on him to make the call now,” – Beveridge
“I really don’t see him leaving,” fellow Herald Sun journalist Lauren Wood finished by staying.
English has played 128 games in eight seasons at Whitten Oval to date, with his best season last year when he earned a first All-Australian jacket.
NO CLARITY YET ABOUT THE FUTURE OF VETERAN PIE
Despite 328 games under his belt and a strong desire to continue playing into 2025, there is still uncertainty surrounding Steele Sidebottom’s future at Collingwood.
The 33-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of this year, is now unlikely to get clarity on his future until the end of the season as his side continue an unlikely push for the finals.
Herald Sun journalist Glenn McFarlane explained the state of play on the two-time premiership player’s hopeful re-signing Midweek tackle.
“This is probably going to go to the extreme… Sidebottom was desperate (earlier this year) to continue playing,” McFarlane said.
“At the moment there is no real contract – they would postpone it until the end of the year and find out what actually happens.
“I had a really good chat with Darcy Cameron after the game against Carlton, and he said Sidebottom is still the ‘glue’ of the team.”
The 2018 All-Australian’s role has changed this season, with an extremely strong start to his role midway through last month.
And while his form has stabilized somewhat since then, he is clearly still an asset for Craig McRae.
“All eyes will be on ‘Sidey’; he is 33 at the moment, you know what he did in that grand final (last year) – that will definitely get you a new (contract),” McFarlane continued.
“I really hope the Pies will do the right thing and give him another year.”
Fellow veteran and 400-gamer Scott Pendlebury recently made note of his verbal agreement with the club to continue playing into 2025, while Jeremy Howe will activate a clause in his contract this Friday evening that will also see him recommit for next year.
