AusBonsai

I have had this Ficus for around 9 years, it has been very neglected, been abused by our dogs, knocked out of its pot and shifted states a few times.

Currently it lives in a fairly sheltered position, minimal morning sun, receives sun from midday on, but sheltered from direct sun by a big potted orchid.

It needs to be repotted nut how do I encourage it to become a bushy ficus again? Also what medium should I be using for dirt, I am limited to what is available to me, with only a mitre 10 nearly, no dedicated Bonsai nursery anywhere around. Should I repot into a larger pot or just repot into the current pot?

Today will be spent cleaning it up & removing the spider webs

At this time of year I would not bother to repot it. Cut back the two long shoots, this will force back growth. You may not see much growth due to cooler weather. I would liquid feed and then repot December once the weather warms up.
Cheers
Kirky

Thanks Kirby,

I’ve edited my photo to where I think I should remove the long shoots, it’s been a few years since I’ve done any work on a bonsai.

Personally i would cut back even harder than your picture shows, it definitly won't do the tree any harm. Then you can start afresh once growing season starts, it will absolutely flourish with new directions to take. That's just me though, i reckon the best thing to do is to do what you think looks best

It really will depend on your overall vision for this tree....
Personally if it were mine I would go lower. I see no value in keeping those long straight bits. I would cut it back closer to the trunk and regrow the top and branches, aiming towards a fuller canopy over time.
Cheers
Kirky

Thank you, I will do as you suggest.

When you ask about bonsai you are almost sure to get a number of different points of view.
Eden may be warm enough to get some growth over winter but I'd be more inclined to just put up with the long branches over winter and prune when it warms up so you get immediate response. In the meantime feed well so it gains some strength for the new growth.
I know figs are tough and will survive almost anything but a healthy trees will respond far better than a poorly one.
Maybe my caution is just from living in a cooler area?