There's no denying it, the Western Bulldogs had a very forgettable 2023 season.
With one of the strongest lists (on paper) in the competition, the Dogs ultimately underperformed in many ways. Whether it was down to coaching, individual player performances or mistakes that shouldn't occur at AFL level, the Dogs lost their bite.
Missing out on finals was perhaps the worst outcome for the club. Despite sneaking into the top eight in 2022, they once again relied on another team's results to see them head into September action.
The Dogs made a few list changes over the trade period, most notably bringing in Saint's defender Nick Coffield and out-of-favour Demon James Harmes. In regards to the club's departures, Jordon Sweet was the only Bulldog sent out of the Kennel. The 25-year-old ruckman was traded to Port Adelaide for pick 50.
In the national draft, the Bulldogs selected Ryley Sanders at pick 6 and father-son recruit Jordan Croft at pick 15. Additionally, the Dogs picked up Joel Freijah, Lachlan Smith and Aiden O'Driscoll at picks 45, 47 and 55.
Bulldogs Taylor Duryea and Lachie McNeil were kept on the list through the Rookie Draft also.
With all this in mind, we had a look at the Bulldogs list and came up with our proposed best 23.
BEST 23s:
ADELAIDE CROWS, BRISBANE LIONS, CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON, FREMANTLE, GEELONG CATS, GOLD COAST SUNS, GWS GIANTS, HAWTHORN, MELBOURNE, NORTH MELBOURNE, PORT ADELAIDE, RICHMOND, ST KILDA, SYDNEY, WEST COAST
2. Midfielders
Of course, the big name in this Bulldogs outfit is Marcus Bontempelli. The skipper once again missed out on Brownlow honours, but he still put together a phenomenal campaign. Alongside him is classy midfielder Jack Macrae. Hopefully, the three-time All-Australian find his 2021 form where he averaged just shy of 34 possessions a game.
Through the guts is brute Tom Liberatore who continues to win the contested ball at will. On the wings, Bailey Smith and Caleb Poulter will be sure to hold their spots as hard runners. Smith had a drop-off in form last season, but the talent he has is up there with the best of the best.
Top draft pick Ryley Sanders will come off the bench for the Dogs playing midfield, the youngster ready to prove his worth having been taken with pick 6. New signing James Harmes can provide some energy as the substitute for the Dogs. The 28-year-old still has plenty to give after being shipped away from the Demons in this year's trade period.
Ruckman Tim English is arguably the best in the competition, having earned his maiden All-Australian blazer in 2023. His abilities around the ground effectively make him an extra midfielder for the side, his worth is invaluable to Luke Beveridge.
