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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs handpasses the ball during the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Melbourne Demons and the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

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. 

With their premiership window still wide open, can the Doggies pounce on the opportunity? Only time will tell. 

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]

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Defining Period 

Rounds 14 to 20 will be pivotal for the Bulldogs as they test their premiership credentials ahead of another likely finals campaign.

During this stretch, the Dogs play the Giants (A), Hawthorn (H), Brisbane (A), Sydney (A), St Kilda (H), Melbourne (H) and Geelong (A).

Out of all the games in this period, the Hawthorn and St Kilda game would be the only games where they would go in as comfortable favourites.

The Giants game is always a big game given their rivalry in the past few years, whilst away games to Brisbane, Sydney and Geelong will test the Bulldogs' adversity and resolve.

Finally, the Melbourne game at Marvel Stadium will always attract attention and would be the perfect tune-up ahead of finals to see where the Bulldogs are at against the reigning premiers.

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