The Western Bulldogs are coming off an impressive 2021 campaign that was soured by a late fade-out in last year's Grand Final to Melbourne.Â
The Doggies sat in the top two for most of the season before losing the last three games of the regular season to finish outside of the top four.Â
The side rallied in the finals to win three weeks in a row to earn a spot in the Grand Final, before their demise to Melbourne in the big dance.Â
Star players in Marcus Bontempelli and Jack Macrae had quality seasons, whilst the continual emergence of Bailey Smith, especially in finals, has been one that has impressed in the past season.Â
Luke Beveridge has a strong, star-studded lineup at his disposal that is expected to be premiership contenders once again, and will look to kick off their 2022 campaign with a redeeming win over rivals Melbourne at the MCG tonight.Â
With their premiership window still wide open, can the Doggies pounce on the opportunity? Only time will tell.Â
Ins: Sam Darcy [National Draft], Tim O'Brien [Hawthorn], Charlie Parker [Rookie Draft], Robbie McComb [Rookie Draft], Luke Cleary [National Draft], Arthur Jones [National Draft]
Outs: Easton Wood [retired], Patrick Lipinski [Collingwood], Lewis Young [Carlton], Lin Jong [retired], Will Hayes [delisted], Ben Cavarra [delisted]
Star Player
The 'Bont' is the obvious choice for the star players at the Dogs, as he is arguably the best player in the competition.
His ability to accumulate possessions and use the ball effectively make him such an impactful player, and add in his goal-kicking prowess, and that takes him to another level.
As mentioned before, the Dogs skipper amassed career-highs in possessions and goals in 2021, with 26.7 disposals per game and 31 goals respectively.
His second place in the Brownlow and a fourth club best and fairest add to his growing list of accolades for the 26-year old.
A Brownlow medal fancy in 2022 but his main focus will be captaining his side to a premiership in September.
