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
5. Darcy Macpherson
Not near the calibre of small forward that Owies is, but Macpherson adds a defensive edge to any forward 50 he roams.
A familiar name at Whitten Oval, Macpherson is the son of former Footscray player Stephen Macpherson. The Dogs decided against drafting Macpherson in 2015, with the Suns instead selecting the Diamond Creek product through the Rookie Draft after a promising run with the Bulldogs' reserves.
Macpherson is another off-contract forward and would likely come at no cost to the Bulldogs whilst bringing close to 100 games of AFL experience.
Unlikely to be a starting forward for the Dogs, the 26-year-old would at least add some depth to Luke Beveridge's front half to support the likes of Weightman and West.
