A rollercoaster ride of ups and downs confronted the Western Bulldogs in 2022 which ended with an early finals exit at the hands of Fremantle, after sneaking into the top eight courtesy of Carlton.
After reaching the big dance the year prior, the Dogs struggled to replicate their proven formula that is modelled on consistency, despite a healthy list steering them through the majority of 2021.
With head coach Luke Beveridge guiding them into a new season, a sense of the unknown can be attached to the red, white and blue, as they look to bounce back in 2023 after a sub-par year.
The holiday period saw them lose star onballer Josh Dunkley, who requested a trade to Brisbane, whilst the Dogs welcomed key forward Rory Lobb across from the Dockers.
The swap hurts their midfield stocks with Dunkley a prized contributor in the engine room, in spite of this, with Lobb landing in their lap, it only adds to the selection dilemma in their front half.
A host of worthy tall forwards are in a healthy jostle for positions, with the coaching staff tasked with the headache-inducing role of forming a pecking order amongst the long line of candidates.
During the draft period the Dogs picked up trio Jedd Busslinger, Charlie Clarke and Harvey Gallagher, with the speedy Oskar Baker joining as a pre-season Supplemental Selection from Melbourne.
On paper, the Dogs' spine presents as sturdy as any, with the homecoming of Liam Jones heading up proceedings in his accustomed full-back role after a stint at the Blues before the introduction of COVID protocols.
Further afield, defender Alex Keath steps up as their centre half-back, whilst in their midfield department Tim English holds precedence in the rucking job over fellow tall-timbered counterpart Sam Darcy.
Captain Marcus Bontempelli will be on a rotation system forward, split with his midfield time as he plans to lead his side back into contention whilst they sit in a premiership window.
With contracts irrelevant in this exercise and the club's monetary situation thrown out the window, we look at four potential role fillers at the Dogs before honing in on a verdict to conclude.
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Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
Star defender Sam Docherty looms as a target the Dogs' list management staff will be circling to snap up in this hypothetical, with the durable back man a staple piece in his current Blues back six setup.
After facing immeasurable adversity heading into last season, Docherty was an inspiration in lacing up for 22 games, earning him the Spirit of Carlton Award for his on-field efforts.
The former Brisbane Lion will slot into the Dogs' back half with ease, alleviating the weight placed on the shoulders of the ageing Keath, and forming a partnership with Jones in the process.
Beveridge's plan to move Caleb Daniel in a midfield rotation will be able to come to fruition, as the 29-year-old can adopt his role of nullifying the smalls, coupled with kick-out duty responsibilities.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
With the defensive problems a key area of concern, the Dogs will require the services of Harris Andrews to fill the void, with age issues a worry in the long term for the red, white and blue.
Andrews brings across leadership qualities amongst his ability to act as a lockdown defender, in the conversation for the game's best in his role despite still learning his trade at the ripe age of 26.
As fitness troubles surround the aforementioned 32-year-old in Jones, after a year spent in the Queensland Football League, Andrews will be earmarked as a suitable candidate ready to fill the shoes.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
With wingman Lachie Hunter departing Whitten Oval, to join the Dees at Gosch's Paddock, a vacancy opens the door for Josh Daicos to resume his role as a gut-running winger in Dogs colours.
The stocks of Daicos rose in 2022, with his trajectory continuing on an upward path, with the brother of Nick reaching new heights last season to be added to the All-Australian squad as a result.
Western Bulldogs coaching staff will be keen to run an eye over the 24-year-old, with an interest in buying what he's selling, as they re-think the possibility of shuffling the magnets around.
Bailey Smith currently takes ownership of one of the wings, in a shared role with Adam Treloar, who both dabble in time spent in the engine room, with Daicos able to share the load as well.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
The versatility of Isaac Heeney presents as a left-field option the Dogs could entertain, with his aerial prowess a stand-alone trait worthy of hearing out, as well as his brute force on show in the middle.
Heeney will be sounded out as a potential recruit with his swingman-type ability providing Beveridge with added arsenal to enter a counter-attacking mode or defend grimly when the situation calls.
Notching up 46 goals last year, Heeney will offer another avenue to goal for the Dogs, even though their forward depth isn't lacking, it'll allow the 26-year-old to push higher up the ground.
With this exercise giving the coaching staff a lot to ponder, and funnelling four names into one an obvious hardship, a conclusion must be drawn with the Dogs silly not to steal mid-sized defender Sam Docherty.
Docherty will slot seamlessly into the Dogs' back half, playing third fiddle with the pair of tall's in Jones and Keath, and opening the door for him to be punishing on his rebound 50s and intercepting game.
Still in the prime of his career, the Dogs' youngsters will be able to learn at the feet of Docherty as he controls the back six setup with his level-headed approach and calmness with the ball in hand.