Lin Jong rejects interest to sign new contract with Western Bulldogs

WESTERN Bulldogs midfielders Clay Smith and Lin Jong will help drive the club’s bid for back-to-back premierships after re-signing new deals.

WESTERN Bulldogs midfielders Clay Smith and Lin Jong will help drive the club’s bid for back-to-back premierships after re-signing new deals.

Smith agreed to a one-year extension late on Friday, only hours after Jong committed for two more seasons.

The new deals are a coup for the premiers as they look to protect their young list during the AFL trade period, which starts Monday.

Jong, in particular, turned down strong interest from Gold Coast and Collingwood and recommitted despite being named emergency for the Grand Final.

Smith’s deal is reward for a brilliant finals series including a crucial two-goal second quarter that helped power his side’s comeback semi-final win over Hawthorn.

He booted four goals in a best-on-ground performance against Greater Western Sydney the following week, despite the death of a close friend days earlier.

Clay Smith celebrates the Bulldogs’ premiership with teammates Luke Dahlhaus and Matthew Boyd. Picture: Michel Klein

Premiership list chief Jason McCartney said the Bulldogs had enormous admiration for what Smith had achieved after overcoming three knee reconstructions.

“Clay is a heart-and-soul player and has proven to be one of the most resilient young men we have seen in football,” McCartney said.

“For him to get back, year after year, and then play the pivotal role he played in his finals series is just testament to him.”

Smith, 23, said he was thrilled with the new deal.

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“To be a premiership player with great bunch of people, and then sign an extension, I can’t think of a more happier time in football,” he said.

“My challenges have been well documented, but it makes it all worthwhile when you get to experience what we have over the past few weeks. I’m just rapt.”

Jong, 23, considered leaving the Whitten Oval for more senior opportunities but was delighted to stay after playing 10 straight games in the second half of the season.

Lin Jong has re-signed with the Bulldogs despite advances from other clubs. Picture: Michael Klein

“There are a number of factors I considered before signing and in the end it was quite obvious that the things I was looking for, were right in front of me,” Jong said.

“I have the best chance of improving my football here, but also to play with this group of players, and under this group of coaches, is everything I could ask for.

“I’m just so proud to be a Western Bulldogs player and look forward to playing a part in its growth into the future.”

He was best on ground in the VFL premiership only 17 days after breaking his collarbone.

But he was left out of the AFL team’s premiership win as the Dogs shattered their 62-year premiership drought.

“I’m just so proud to be a Western Bulldogs player and look forward to playing a part in its growth into the future.”

- Lin Jong

Jong’s signature helps keep together the Dogs’ batch of brilliant young midfield talent led by future captain and best and fairest winner Marcus Bontempelli.

McCartney believes the club is in a strong position to retain all of its young stars with Jake Stringer, Jack Macrae, Tom Liberatore, Jordan Roughead and Tom Boyd among the talented young guns tied to long-term deals.

McCartney said the club valued Jong highly.

“Jongy has shown improvement year on year since being drafted in 2011 as rookie, but in particular his second half to this year was outstanding,” McCartney said.

“He is everything will look for in a player in terms of his character and work ethic, and for Lin to sign for a further two years is just a great result for the club.”

Jong last week said he faced a difficult decision on his future with Gold Coast keen to make the fearless ball winner a central cog in their midfield rebuild.

Lin Jong was best on ground in the VFL premiership. Picture: Getty

But the chance to be part of something special at the kennel over the next two years and continue to work with Beveridge and respected midfield coach Joel Corey swayed Jong to stay.

The Herald Sun revealed Jong toured Collingwood’s facilities mid-season when his spot was up in the air but the onballer last week said he regretted the timing of the controversial visit.

The new deal is a show of faith from Jong and a reward for the club’s excellent drafting after national recruiting manager Simon Dalrymple picked him with the No.9 selection in the 2012 rookie draft.

He has played 39 senior games over five seasons at the kennel, averaging 17 possessions over 16 senior games in a career-best campaign this year.

Importantly, his speed and strength at the contest gives Beveridge another versatile weapon as they await the return of fellow midfielder Mitch Wallis from a badly broken leg mid-season.

The Dogs have arguably the best young list in the AFL and are expected to strongly contend for more premierships in coming years.

Clay Smith was a key player for the Bulldogs throughout the finals series. Picture: Michael Klein

They are already an equal $4.50 favourite to win next year’s flag, with Greater Western Sydney.

Jong finalised the new contract with his manager, Nick Gieschen, late this week as the good news stories keep coming for the Dogs.

Collingwood premiership spearhead Travis Cloke is expected to join the club for a pick as low as No.71 when the trade period officially opens next week.

The club is set to receive a significant cash windfall after the drought-breaking flag with the Dogs expected to rake in about $1 million from its family day premiership celebrations last Sunday.

The club will target about 50,000 members for next year, up from 39,459 this season.

Fans rushed to sign-up this week and the club’s membership department struggled to meet demand in the immediate aftermath of the flag win.