A premature finals exit has plunged Luke Beveridge and the Western Bulldogs into their off-season ventures already, with some high-profile names either on the trade table or looking to explore free agency.
The big story of 2024 has been the contractual status of injured star Bailey Smith, who has officially requested a trade from the Bulldogs with no desired club named yet.
Geelong remain in the box-seat to lure Smith, and while recent rumours swirled of an ACL comeback similar to Sam Docherty's, the Bulldogs' September exit may have been the knockout blow for Smith's stay at the club.
His move will make him one of, if not the biggest, off-season recruits of 2024, given the decision made by Melbourne and their Norm Smith Medal winner, Christian Petracca.
Two other Bulldogs who are not certain to remain are Caleb Daniel and Jack Macrae; the 2016 premiership heroes had both fallen out of favour for extended stints this season but remain contacted for a further two and three years, respectively.
Daniel is only 28 and should be in the prime of his football career, but he struggled to scrape into the side this year over Bailey Dale, Lachie Bramble and Taylor Duryea in that rebounding role.
His size and production this season, albeit with inconsistent playing time, will not see a market explosion for his services, but a rival would surely be willing to offer a two or three-year deal for his ball-use and footy smarts off half-back.
Macrae was last rumoured to be heading to Moorabbin, potentially adding another 30+-year-old inside midfielder to a list stacked with them.
A number of stints as the activated substitute has dropped Macrae's production to that of an 18-disposal, two-clearance per game midfielder, underwhelming when compared to the 34 disposals and seven clearances he averaged in 2021 ahead of his Gary Ayres Award-winning finals campaign.
The club are firm in its message that both will remain Bulldogs for the future, but they are definitely two players to watch over the off-season.
Two players that the club seem not as eager to hold onto are Buku Khamis and Riley Garcia, who both remain unsigned for 2025 and beyond.
Khamis' status would surprise some, given he has taken positive strides in his role as a versatile marking option down back or up forward, with notable key defender qualities to develop.
Garcia has also impressed but has struggled to fit into the Bulldogs' midfield alongside Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore, Adam Treloar, Ed Richards, James Harmes,ย and Ryley Sanders.
The Western Australian may seek a move back home or elsewhere in the hope of more opportunities at the senior level, where he feels he belongs.
Premiership veteranย Duryea is also out of contract with a cut-throat list call potentially coming. His recent run of form in the small lockdown role has possibly earned the 33-year-old another go at it, the question is whether it's at the Bulldogs.
Rory Lobb's success story down back was lifted further by his elimination final performance, where he was clearly one of the Bulldogs' best.
Contracted until 2026, his form through the back half of the season has eased the pressure on him and the club as he navigates his new role with a full pre-season of practice.
Bontempelli, Treloar, Liberatore and Richards all come out of contract next season, leaving the club with plenty to ponder as 2025 approaches.
31 and 32 years of age, Treloar and Liberatore's extensions will be intriguing.
Richards' breakout 2024 midfield campaign will increase his market value dramatically, especially since he is only now entering his prime at 25 years old.
Bulldogs fans would not be worrying about their skipper, for now.
Liam Jones is another interesting watch. The 33-year-old is still one of the most effective key defenders in the competition but will be seeking security in a year's time.
He may not be offered anything more than one-year deals for the rest of his Bulldog playing days.
Tall forward Sam Darcy is another player of note coming out of contract next season. His extension will be a major story, with ridiculous offers set to come his way.
Don't be surprised by 10-year rival offers at well over $1m for the 21-year-old. The Bulldogs will be hoping his father/son status means more to him than pure finances, andย all signs suggest he'll remain at the Kennel.ย
