After making the Grand Final last year, the Western Bulldogs fell short of expectations in AFL season 2022. The Dogs snuck into the finals in eighth place, but would eventually fall short to Fremantle in a blistering elimination final comeback.
But even in a down year, the Bulldogs hold a healthy list with some high-end talent coming through their ranks.
The arrival of some fresh faces at Whitten Oval could shoot the Western Bulldogs straight back into premiership contention, though the imminent departure of midfielder Josh Dunkley sets them back.
Lachie Hunter is another who could leave the club after the winger had a rocky 10-game season and took time away from the AFL for personal issues.
Despite two midfielders potentially on the move, the Bulldogs are still in need of key position stocks. The club will be looking to add another key defender to their list after inconsistent years from Alex Keath and Zaine Cordy.
Defender Liam Jones seems likely to rejoin his old club, but may not be the elite stopper the Dogs need after time away from the AFL.
The Bulldogs have Picks 11 29, 37 and 65 available should they need them in a trade.
3. Fischer McAsey
Taken as Pick 6 in the 2019 AFL Draft, Fischer McAsey played 10 games for the Adelaide Crows in his first season.
The 21-year-old key defender, however, did not play a game for the Crows' AFL side in 2022.
McAsey was a standout in Adelaide's strong SANFL season, playing both as a key back and tall forward, and kicking 19 goals as a 198cm option.
Signed until the end of 2023, the high-potential defender would have to be acquired through trade. Seemingly out-of-favour at the Crows, the Dogs would be hoping to lure the Victorian home without much cost.
