VETERAN Western Bulldogs forward Jason Akermanis has signed a new one-year deal with the club.

The 32-year-old, who won three flags and a Brownlow Medal with the Brisbane Lions, joined the Bulldogs at the end of 2006 and has been an integral part of their success since.

Though Akermanis had indicated that he expected 2009 to be his last year in the AFL, he said that money had played no part in his decision to play on.

"I am just excited to go again for another 12 months. It's a real bonus," he told westernbulldogs.com.au.

"You are retired for a long time and I still feel I can play a valuable role for the team up forward and at times on the ball.

"Football has never been about the money. It has been about the thrill and enjoyment of winning. That is the most important thing for me.

"I believe that this team has a lot of success in front of it and despite the fact that it is such a hard game, I still have the passion to play AFL.

"I want to help the club take that next step."

Football manager James Fantasia said he was pleased to retain Akermanis for 2010.

"Jason has been a fantastic acquisition for the Western Bulldogs since he debuted for the club in 2007 and we are rapt that he has decided to go on next year," he said.

"He has a wealth of experience and still has the ability to turn a game off his own boot.

"Jason has also developed into a fantastic mentor for our young players which is important as we continue to develop our group.

"It has been widely reported that we could not offer Jason the type of money that a player of his quality commands and for him to still commit to the club is testament to the belief this group has in its ability."

Wingman Nathan Eagleton, 31, is yet to re-sign with the Dogs ahead of the AFL's second list lodgement on Friday.