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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Prediction

It's hard to see the Bulldogs missing the top four like they did last year, and we're tipping them to jump back in the four in 2022.

The Bulldogs' star power is too hard to ignore, and with a nice balance of youth in the side, their premiership window is wide open and would be amongst the top favourites to take out the flag this season.

Bontempelli will continue to be great in the midfield whilst Naughton could take the next step to become the marquee forward in the game.

Look for the Bulldogs to be in the top four and are every chance to go one better in 2022.

Predicted position: 3rd

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