Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Luke Beveridge has rejected suggestions that Tim English could be considering a move away from the Western Bulldogs, dismissing recent trade speculation and insisting the star ruckman remains committed to the club. The comments came ahead of the Bulldogs’ latest AFL fixture, with Beveridge responding to claims made by Hawthorn great Jordan Lewis regarding English’s future.
The Tim English trade speculation emerged despite the All Australian ruckman being contracted to the Western Bulldogs until the end of the 2029 AFL season. Lewis suggested English could be open to exploring options elsewhere, prompting a swift response from the Bulldogs coach.
Beveridge made light of the reports while questioning the basis for the claims.
Beveridge rejects trade rumours
Speaking to reporters, Beveridge joked about Lewis’s comments and said the speculation had caught the club by surprise.
“Old scoop Lewis, so Lewy, it’s like he’s gone up and given us half a scoop of vanilla,” Beveridge said.
“If he’s going to speculate and make statements, he’s got to give you the full scoop.”
The Bulldogs coach stressed that English remains a key part of the club’s future plans and pointed to his long term contract as evidence.
“Tim is contracted until the end of 2029, so a player of his ability and impact, he’s secure here,” Beveridge said.
“It came out of left field for us, didn’t know where it came from other than Lewy.
“I don’t know who he’s been talking to, but we’re not sure if there’s any accuracy in any of that.”
English remains vital to Bulldogs success
English continues to be one of the most influential ruckmen in the AFL and has played a major role in the Bulldogs’ strong performances this season.
The club has enjoyed considerable success when he has been available, winning seven of nine matches during the period surrounding his concussion absence. His ability to impact contests around the ground and provide support for the midfield remains crucial to Beveridge’s game plan.
As one of the competition’s premier big men, English would undoubtedly attract interest from rival clubs if he ever became available. However, the Bulldogs have consistently indicated that he is a central piece of their long term strategy.
Coach denies reports of friction
Beveridge also addressed suggestions that tension had developed between himself and English following the Bulldogs’ loss to Adelaide.
The speculation followed a tactical move during the third quarter of that match when English was deployed in a different role away from his usual position.
The coach firmly rejected any suggestion of a strained relationship.
“Again, big surprise,” Beveridge said.
“Some of the things we were talking about this morning, where we need to improve, I’m having those conversations with all our players.
“They seem to be processing it pretty well, they’re determined to improve and Tim is no different.”
His comments reinforced the club’s position that discussions about performance and improvement are routine parts of the coaching process rather than signs of conflict.
Bulldogs support AFL match in India
Beyond discussion surrounding English, Beveridge also expressed support for the possibility of the AFL staging a premiership season match in India.
The Western Bulldogs have developed a strong multicultural presence and have previously spoken about opportunities to grow Australian rules football in emerging international markets.
India has become a focus due to its enormous population and growing awareness of the sport.
Beveridge believes the concept has genuine potential but acknowledged scheduling would need careful planning.
“I would. I reckon you’d have to time it maybe before a bye, that would be ideal,” he said.
The Bulldogs coach pointed to India’s sporting culture and existing infrastructure as reasons the idea could succeed.
“When you think about the Indian passion for cricket and the groundswell of attention that’s coming towards our game.
“They’ve got the grounds to be able to pull it off too, it would be pretty exciting.”
Focus remains on Bulldogs season
While speculation around English generated headlines, Beveridge’s response left little doubt about the club’s stance. The Bulldogs view the star ruckman as a cornerstone player and remain confident about his commitment to the organisation.
With English contracted for several more seasons and continuing to play an important role on the field, the Bulldogs are focused on building momentum in their AFL campaign rather than entertaining trade rumours.
For now, Beveridge has made it clear that reports linking English with a potential departure carry little weight inside the club.
Luke Beveridge has rejected suggestions that Tim English could be considering a move away from the Western Bulldogs, dismissing recent trade speculation and insisting the star ruckman remains committed to the club. The comments came ahead of the Bulldogs’ latest AFL fixture, with Beveridge responding to claims made by Hawthorn great Jordan Lewis regarding English’s future.
The Tim English trade speculation emerged despite the All Australian ruckman being contracted to the Western Bulldogs until the end of the 2029 AFL season. Lewis suggested English could be open to exploring options elsewhere, prompting a swift response from the Bulldogs coach.
Beveridge made light of the reports while questioning the basis for the claims.
Beveridge rejects trade rumours
Speaking to reporters, Beveridge joked about Lewis’s comments and said the speculation had caught the club by surprise.
“Old scoop Lewis, so Lewy, it’s like he’s gone up and given us half a scoop of vanilla,” Beveridge said.
“If he’s going to speculate and make statements, he’s got to give you the full scoop.”
The Bulldogs coach stressed that English remains a key part of the club’s future plans and pointed to his long term contract as evidence.
“Tim is contracted until the end of 2029, so a player of his ability and impact, he’s secure here,” Beveridge said.
“It came out of left field for us, didn’t know where it came from other than Lewy.
“I don’t know who he’s been talking to, but we’re not sure if there’s any accuracy in any of that.”
English remains vital to Bulldogs success
English continues to be one of the most influential ruckmen in the AFL and has played a major role in the Bulldogs’ strong performances this season.
The club has enjoyed considerable success when he has been available, winning seven of nine matches during the period surrounding his concussion absence. His ability to impact contests around the ground and provide support for the midfield remains crucial to Beveridge’s game plan.
As one of the competition’s premier big men, English would undoubtedly attract interest from rival clubs if he ever became available. However, the Bulldogs have consistently indicated that he is a central piece of their long term strategy.
Coach denies reports of friction
Beveridge also addressed suggestions that tension had developed between himself and English following the Bulldogs’ loss to Adelaide.
The speculation followed a tactical move during the third quarter of that match when English was deployed in a different role away from his usual position.
The coach firmly rejected any suggestion of a strained relationship.
“Again, big surprise,” Beveridge said.
“Some of the things we were talking about this morning, where we need to improve, I’m having those conversations with all our players.
“They seem to be processing it pretty well, they’re determined to improve and Tim is no different.”
His comments reinforced the club’s position that discussions about performance and improvement are routine parts of the coaching process rather than signs of conflict.
Bulldogs support AFL match in India
Beyond discussion surrounding English, Beveridge also expressed support for the possibility of the AFL staging a premiership season match in India.
The Western Bulldogs have developed a strong multicultural presence and have previously spoken about opportunities to grow Australian rules football in emerging international markets.
India has become a focus due to its enormous population and growing awareness of the sport.
Beveridge believes the concept has genuine potential but acknowledged scheduling would need careful planning.
“I would. I reckon you’d have to time it maybe before a bye, that would be ideal,” he said.
The Bulldogs coach pointed to India’s sporting culture and existing infrastructure as reasons the idea could succeed.
“When you think about the Indian passion for cricket and the groundswell of attention that’s coming towards our game.
“They’ve got the grounds to be able to pull it off too, it would be pretty exciting.”
Focus remains on Bulldogs season
While speculation around English generated headlines, Beveridge’s response left little doubt about the club’s stance. The Bulldogs view the star ruckman as a cornerstone player and remain confident about his commitment to the organisation.
With English contracted for several more seasons and continuing to play an important role on the field, the Bulldogs are focused on building momentum in their AFL campaign rather than entertaining trade rumours.
For now, Beveridge has made it clear that reports linking English with a potential departure carry little weight inside the club.