The Western Bulldogs might have a top four list on paper, but that can only get a club so far - as has been the case for the Footscray-based side over the past several seasons.
Coach Luke Beveridge has a devastatingly destructive midfield at his disposal as the Dogs continue to uncover the next wave of onballers to support a top line of stars in the engine room.
The upside of the club's forward line is equally scintillating as their trio of tall forwards look to combine and drive the Dogs deeper into September this year.
Questions surround the backline, which will soon need to look to the future while planning to remain in premiership contention.
Looking at the Bulldogs' squad and breaking down their defence, midfield and forward groups, we've named a best 23 for the season ahead.
Our Best 23 for 2025 series will include players unavailable for the start of the season, except for those expected to miss most or all of the season through injury or suspension.
1. Defenders
The backline might just make or break the Dogs' premiership prospects for 2025, with the club having struggled to find consistency down back over the past several seasons.
Liam Jones has been rock solid since returning to the Kennel, but the veteran stopper has been paired with a merry-go-round of tall defenders across the last two years.
Ruck-forward Rory Lobb's mid-year switch to defence in 2024 looks to have aided that concern, while James O'Donnell has continued to improve as a young lockdown defender.
O'Donnell looms as a key piece in the Dogs' long-term plans given the age of Jones and Lobb, while uncapped first-round pick Jedd Busslinger is a name to watch this year as he eyes a breakthrough into Luke Beveridge's side.
The Dogs also have Ryan Gardner and Buku Khamis as versatile aerial options who can slot into defence when required.
The Bulldogs' ground game has been steady over the last couple of seasons however, with All-Australian Bailey Dale now the first-string outlet at the Kennel.
His ball use and accountability have proven vital for Beveridge in tricky situations, while the move to attain former Hawk Lachie Bramble has also become a great list call.
The duo are joined by second-year dasher Joel Freijah as running options from the back 50, with veteran Taylor Duryea still reliable as a lockdown defender for opposition small forwards.
Fringe Dogs Jason Johannisen, Nick Coffield and Luke Cleary should also press for starting spots in 2025 as competition heats up down back.
