Western Bulldogs midfielder Lin Jong has spurned interest from rival AFL clubs to sign a new deal with the 2016 premiers.
Gold Coast and Collingwood were keen to lure the 23-year-old, but he will remain at Whitten Oval until the end of the 2018 season after signing a two-year contract extension.
The move ends a tumultuous period for Jong, who made headlines in July when his clandestine meeting with the Magpies, including a tour of their facilities, was made public.
Jong kept his place in the Bulldogs senior team despite the embarrassing episode but he suffered a broken collarbone in the first week of the finals.
In his first game back from the injury, he won the Norm Goss Medal for best afield in Footscray's VFL grand final win, but couldn't force his way into the Bulldogs' grand final side.
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That omission intensified speculation about his playing future before Friday's announcement.
"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."
Jong played some of the best football of his 39-game career in a roller coaster season, with his signing a boost for Luke Beveridge's imposing midfield group.
"Jongy has shown improvement year on year since being drafted in 2011 as a rookie, but in particular his second half to this year was outstanding," Dogs list manager Jason McCartney said.
"He is everything we'll 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."
