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: ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON, FREMANTLE, GEELONG, GOLD COAST, GWS, HAWTHORN, MELBOURNE, NORTH MELBOURNE, PORT ADELAIDE, RICHMOND, ST KILDA, SYDNEY, WEST COAST
Given the Bulldogs don't have a first-round draft pick, targeting high-quality talent outside of the free agency pool will be tricky. Hence a move for Cumming might be suitable in more ways than one.
With Taylor Duryea and Jason Johannisen well into the twilight of their careers, Caleb Daniel facing an uncertain future and Ed Richards' increase in midfield minutes, there could be a slot across half-back or up on the wing for someone like Cumming.
The Dogs will also lose the outside run of Bailey Smith and were unfortunately forced to bid farewell to rookie winger Aiden O'Driscoll before he managed a debut.
Cumming, an unrestricted free agent, could slot into a wide role and complement the likes of Bailey Dale and Bailey Williams as a flank option who wouldn't cost the Bulldogs any draft capital.
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.
In the event English does depart, the Bulldogs will need to act quickly on the open market to sew up their ruck stocks.
The aforementioned Reidy should be a target in this case, but Bryan must also be in the sights of the Dogs as their priority signing, ideally having both on their books to contend for the top job.
Bryan has long been placed toward the back of the Bombers' selection queue given Sam Draper's reign at Tullamarine, with Bryan often left to dominate the VFL and bide his time.
His return to the field over the weekend against Fremantle showed his potential and capabilities at a young age, with Bryan an ideal immediate replacement for any side keen on a ruckman.
Gold Coast's Ned Moyle would've been perfect for the Dogs before he recommitted to the Suns, while Carlton's Marc Pittonet is another option should English move on.
Owies is the leading name still uncontracted among the league's small forward contingent, with the Blues attacker yet to settle on his future beyond the 2024 season.
Potentially an area of focus for the Bulldogs' list planning, an additional small forward to work alongside Cody Weightman and Rhylee West at the feet of the Dogs' star tall forwards would significantly sharpen the club's front third.
Owies has booted a career-high haul of 28 goals in 2024 and has assisted a further 13 majors as a forward 50 threat under Michael Voss this year.
Given he is without a deal for next year, Owies could be a prime target for the Bulldogs this off-season should he remain unsigned.
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.