Ins and Outs
IN:
– Lachie Bramble (Supplementary Selection Period, Hawthorn)
– Nick Coffield (trade, St Kilda)
– Jordan Croft (No.15 draft pick, father-son)
– Joel Freijah (No.45 draft pick)
– James Harmes (trade, Melbourne)
– Aiden O’Driscoll (No.55 draft pick)
– Ryley Sanders (No.6 draft pick)
– Lachlan Smith (No.47 draft pick)
OUT:
– Josh Bruce (retired)
– Hayden Crozier (delisted)
– Mitch Hannan (delisted)
– Robbie McComb (delisted)
– Toby McLean (delisted)
– Tim O’Brien (delisted)
– Cody Raak (delisted)
– Roarke Smith (delisted)
– Jordon Sweet (trade, Port Adelaide)
Medical Updates
Bailey Smith is a significant absentee at the kennel, with the poster boy set to miss the entire 2024 season after tearing his ACL in December. Jack Macrae has been managing a hamstring injury, while Alex Keath has been dealing with a knee issue since the post-Christmas period. Bailey Williams and Aiden O’Driscoll are both following concussion protocols after a serious collision.
Three Key Questions
1. Will the significant off-season changes lead to immediate improvement for the Dogs?
2. Can the club retain its key out-of-contract stars, including Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Tim English, and Bailey Smith?
3. Is Sam Darcy prepared to make a significant impact, having struggled with injuries in his first two seasons?
Track Watch
Harvey Gallagher is a potential surprise debutant in round one. James O’Donnell has impressed after a breakthrough debut season, while James Harmes has shown improvement after a slow start to the pre-season.
Fantasy Lock
Marcus Bontempelli (MID, $1,056,000) took his game to new heights in 2023, averaging an impressive 117 points per game. His ability to consistently contribute across key statistical categories like tackles, marks, and goals makes him a Fantasy standout and the premier midfielder in the game.
Instant Hit
Ryley Sanders has had a standout pre-season, positioning himself well for a round one debut with the Western Bulldogs. With Bailey Smith out injured and Jack Macrae dealing with hamstring issues, Sanders is likely to step directly into the Bulldogs’ midfield. The No.6 pick in the 2023 draft is expected to make a strong impression and could be a contender for the Rising Star award.
Feature
A feature story on a young Bulldogs player who reached out to one of the AFL’s toughest midfielders.
It’s a Big Year For…
Luke Beveridge, the coach of the Western Bulldogs. Despite having the best coaching record in the Bulldogs’ history and being contracted until the end of 2025, Beveridge faces a pivotal year in 2024. Two reviews and significant off-season changes have reshaped the team around him. The question remains whether these changes will help Beveridge guide the club to a second premiership under his leadership.
Pass Mark
After missing out on the finals last year, the Bulldogs are under pressure to return to September action, especially with clubs showing interest in their All-Australian ruckman Tim English. The team hasn’t won a final since the 2021 preliminary final and will be eager to break that streak in 2024.
Best 23 for 2024
– Backs: Alex Keath, Liam Jones, Taylor Duryea
– Half-backs: Ed Richards, James O’Donnell, Bailey Dale
– Center: Bailey Williams, Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar
– Half-forwards: James Harmes, Aaron Naughton, Caleb Daniel
– Forwards: Rory Lobb, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Cody Weightman
– Followers: Tim English, Tom Liberatore, Ryley Sanders
– Interchange: Jack Macrae, Jason Johannisen, Anthony Scott, Rhylee West, Nick Coffield
– Emergencies: Sam Darcy, Harvey Gallagher, Oskar Baker, Ryan Gardner
