List summary:
Even though the Dogs have disappointed on-field since the 2016 flag there is no reason for their fans to despair. Bontempelli, Macrae and Johannisen are as damaging as ever and other young premiership mids like McLean, Dunkley and Hunter only keep getting better.
The Bulldogs have two noticeable list issues though. The first is experience in the forwardline. The oldest Dog to kick more than ten goals this year was midfielder, Mitch Wallis. Tiger medium forward Sam Lloyd looks Footscray bound. He should add some nous and poise.
The second issue is key position players. Josh Schache took major steps and first year KPD Aaron Naughton exceeded all expectations but Tom Boyd looks better suited in the ruck and up the other end Dale Morris grows no younger. Marcus Adams shopping himself around only increases the problem’s urgency.
Another mid to cover for the departing Dahlhaus and frequently injured Liberatore wouldn’t hurt either.
List changes:
The Bulldogs have three young retirees in Shane Biggs, Jack Redpath and Clay Smith Kieran Collins and Nathan Mullenger-McHugh were delisted.
Draft picks:
The Western Bulldogs hold national draft picks 6, 42, 59, 60, 78 and 96.
Draft target:
Ben, the other King brother, could well be in the Bulldogs’ draft team’s sights. Ben King can play forward or back and has had great success at both in his junior career. He is 202cm tall and plays as a marking full forward or intercepting key back.
Trade target:
The number one trade target for the Bulldogs is Chad Wingard. Though unlikely to leave the dynamic Port Adelaide forward would perfectly slot into Luke Beveridge’s side with his toughness and flair.
Best case scenario:
Best case scenario would be landing Wingard, of course. If he does want to leave Port it will be hard to convince him to come to a small club like the Doggies and even harder to satisfy the Power at the trade table. The magnitude of the signing would make the Tom Boyd deal look like a small fry.
