The Western Bulldogs have been encouraged to pursue former Carlton defender Liam Jones as well as Fremantle tall Rory Lobb during the upcoming off-season.
Speaking on Fox Footy's First Crack, former Hawthorn forward Ben Dixon reflected on the Dogs' recent 53-point loss to the Swans last round, explaining the significant lack of height and marking ability in the Dog's outfit was detrimental to the side's ability to compete.
Dixon stated that picking up players with the marking ability of Lobb and Jones would be an immediate boost to the squad, who face a year without finals footy despite making the grand final the year prior.
"There’s a secret weapon sitting on the sidelines. His name is Liam Jones... and I want to say Lobb," Dixon said.
"When you look at their starting back six on Friday night, so undermanned. They took 10 contested marks Sydney and, no disrespect to Buddy Franklin, he was taking contested marks over his head, which he hasn‘t done for 20 years.'
"Good sides, good premiership teams just add one or two each year that can actually help your performance. So Rory Lobb will be a great addition and I think Liam Jones down back."
Liam Jones announced his retirement from the league amid the AFL's COVID vaccine mandate last year, with the 31-year-old continuing to play in the QAFL in 2022. However, the key defender hasn't ruled out the possibility of making an eventual return to the league and with the possibility of the AFL lifting its current vaccine mandate later this year, a return might not be too far away.
Essendon's list manager Adrian Dodoro has reportedly already met with Jones regarding a return, while a return to Carlton is potentially on the cards. Jones also previously played 66 games for the Bulldogs in 2014.
Should the Dogs prove able to lure Jones back to the Kennel after an eight-year absence, the 31-year-old would become the league's latest 'boomerang player'.
Lobb on the other hand has already been tipped for a move to Victoria amid the Docker's interest in Melbourne tall Luke Jackson. The Dogs have already confirmed their interest in the 29-year-old.
The Dogs currently sit 10th on the ladder, one win behind Richmond in 8th and the Saints in 9th. Sydney sits two wins above in 7th after their comfortable victory in the Harbour City.
