Star ruckman Matt Dennis re-signs with Bundoora until end of 2018 after resisting rival offers

THE Northern Football League’s premier big man is staying put at Bundoora.

THE Northern Football League’s premier big man is staying put at Bundoora.

Reigning Frank Rosbrook Medal winner Matt Dennis has resisted significant offers from other clubs and re-signed at Yulong Reserve for the next two years.

Bulls football manager Roy Vogles said the club wanted to avoid speculation over Dennis’ future at the end of next year and was thrilled to have him on board until at least the end of 2018.

“Being the football manager and having to re-sign guys I get first-hand knowledge of it,” Vogles said.

“It’s expected. He’s won two best-and-fairests in the comp, he gets targeted basically every year.

“He’s decided to stay for probably considerably less than he could have got elsewhere.

“He just felt comfortable being at Bundoora. He probably weighed it all up and said it’s not worth the extra dollars to go elsewhere.”

Bundoora’s midfield stocks will be boosted by the addition of Coburg VFL midfielder Nathan Thomas, who will be a playing assistant coach.

Thomas featured in 15 games for the Lions this year and has been with the VFL outfit since 2011.

“Nathan Thomas is definitely playing,” Vogles said.

“He will be one of the assistant coaches as well. Very handy, midfielder, he will be looking after the midfield as a coach.
“There are a couple in the wings but I’d rather not go into it just in case they fall through.”

Brothers Trent and Troy Barbero have departed seeking greater opportunities at Hurstbridge, although the Bulls expect to retain the majority of their senior squad after appointing former Bomber Ricky Dyson as coach.

“The Barberos have gone to Hurstbridge seeking better opportunity,” Vogles said.

“To my knowledge, at this point, they are the only ones that have left.

“I expect everyone that hasn’t re-signed to re-sign.

“They are all re-signed apart from a couple that have been overseas, we’re waiting for them to get back.”

Vogles said Hurstbridge, this year’s Division 2 premier, was one of the clubs to inquire about Dennis’ availability.

Bundoora bowed out of the Division 1 premiership race this year after losing a gripping semi-final to Greensborough by six points, after which coach Phil Plunkett stepped down.