Ellie Blackburn has re-signed with the Western Bulldogs for the next four seasons.
The deal will see the three-time All Australian, five-time Club Champion and 2018 Premiership captain remain in the red, white and blue until at least the end of 2027.
Blackburn is the club’s current games record-holder, having played all 68 matches since being signed as a marquee player.
By the end of this contract, she will be completing her 12th season in the league.
“Being able to sign a long-term deal and commit to the club is something that I’m really proud of, and something that I’m really excited by,” Blackburn said.
“I’m really embedded here and I love the club – what it is and who we are here. I really like the way we represent that and want to be part of that for the long term.”
Blackburn said the community in the west, as well as her drive to achieve team success, contributed to her decision to re-sign.
“What I love most about being a player here is just the way the community gets around our football club - running out onto Whitten Oval on a regular occasion is probably one of the most amazing feelings and experiences of my life,” she said.
“To know the rich history that this club has, and that it’s a family club is something that I’m really proud to be part of too.
“I love the way we operate as one - particularly in the women’s program being one of the first teams (in the AFLW competition). To be part of that is what drives my want to have more success here.
“I think the want for me is that premiership success again, and I want to do that with a group of people I’ve been playing with for a long time and particularly at this football club.”
Bulldogs’ Head of List Management and Recruiting AFLW, Mick Sandry, said securing Blackburn’s services was a fantastic result.
“Having someone of Ellie’s calibre re-commit long-term is so important to shaping the future of where we are going as a group,” Sandry said.
“Ellie is a foundation member of this team and a premiership player, and continues to be a consistent performer.
“Her drive to continually take her football to another level, as well as help those around her succeed, makes her such an integral part of our football club.”
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