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
The Dogs' back six remains their weakest link in the side. Key defender Liam Jones will be holding down the fort after a solid first year as a Bulldog in 2022. New recruit Nick Coffield is sure to feature down back, along with rebounder Bailey Dale.
Running off half-back will be the ever-reliable Caleb Daniel and hard runner Ed Richards. The pair transition the footy as well as any duo in the competition and will be hard to stop.
Cricketer-turned-footballer James O'Donnell made his way into the side as a key defender in 2022 and will be sure to find regular game time. As the tallest defender in the side, expect O'Donnell to start taking harder matchups during next season.
Off the bench, Norm Smith Medallist Jason Johannisen provides additional run-off half-back and some versatility around the ground when needed.
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.
After signing a new contract extension that will keep him at the club until the end of 2032, all eyes will be on Aaron Naughton. The key forward shows glimpses of genuine talent and poise, however, his consistency is still a glaring dampener in his game.
Young superstar Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will be sure to have a career-best year after elevating his game in 2023. Additionally, tall Rory Lobb will be looking to improve on an average start to life as a Bulldog having moved over from the Dockers ahead of last season. Half-forwards Adam Treloar and Bailey Williams had great seasons in 2023 and are sure to continue their stellar form for years to come.