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.
3. Forwards
Perhaps the most threatening part of the Dogs' game, with the forward pack stacked with commanding talls and lethal smalls.
Fans are yet to see the full extent of the club's three-headed dragon in Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. Aaron Naughton and Sam Darcy, with each proving to be a menace for the opposition but rarely doing so simultaneously.
All three have valued bids for the first-string forward role as they could all end the coming year with 50-goal campaigns.
At their feet, Cody Weightman is another X-factor presence with his goal sense and creativity as one of the game's most exciting young attackers.
Rhylee West's game has continued to grow in recent years, while the Dogs will hope the likes of Laitham Vandermeer, Lachie McNeil and Arthur Jones create headaches at selection.
Attention will be placed on mature-aged draftee Sam Davidson too, with the reigning Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal winner ready-made for AFL action as a sprightly medium-sized attacker.
