Wrapping up our 2024 AFL trade targets series, we look at the Western Bulldogs and how they might be active over the off-season.
Several weeks ago the Dogs were likely looking at key defensive options for the future, with Liam Jones in need of support and a potential heir once he retires.
Former first-round pick Jedd Busslinger has since committed his future to the Kennel, while Rory Lobb and Buku Khamis are playing some of the best football of their careers in defence.
So what other areas of the field might the Dogs consider adding to this year as they look to edge closer to a second premiership under coach Luke Beveridge?
We list five players the Western Bulldogs could target in the 2024 trade and free agency space...
OTHER TRADE TARGETS:ย ADELAIDE,ย BRISBANE,ย CARLTON,ย COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON,ย FREMANTLE, GEELONG, GOLD COAST, GWS, HAWTHORN, MELBOURNE, NORTH MELBOURNE, PORT ADELAIDE, RICHMOND, ST KILDA, SYDNEY, WEST COAST
2. Liam Reidy
The Bulldogs are lacking ruck depth behind All-Australian big man Tim English, having lost Jordon Sweet last off-season while Rory Lobb has emerged as a required asset in defence.
Rookie Lachie Smith needs some time before being utilised at AFL level, with the Dogs needing to find a replacement for Sweet, who was often on standby if English was unavailable.
The Dogs aren't likely to lose English, but he does remain unsigned for 2025 and there may need to be some list planning in the event he leaves the Kennel for a return to WA, which we'll touch on soon.
But in the meantime, a formidable second-string ruckman who would come at a cheap price and have an impact in the senior side might be Reidy, who crossed to Fremantle from Frankston in 2022 via the Rookie Draft.
Reidy has continued to dominate the WAFL as he works behind Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson in the Dockers' pecking order, averaging 43.6 hitouts and 10.3 disposals per game for Peel Thunder in 2024.
