After making the Grand Final last year, the Western Bulldogs fell short of expectations in AFL season 2022. The Dogs snuck into the finals in eighth place, but would eventually fall short to Fremantle in a blistering elimination final comeback.
But even in a down year, the Bulldogs hold a healthy list with some high-end talent coming through their ranks.
The arrival of some fresh faces at Whitten Oval could shoot the Western Bulldogs straight back into premiership contention, though the imminent departure of midfielder Josh Dunkley sets them back.
Lachie Hunter is another who could leave the club after the winger had a rocky 10-game season and took time away from the AFL for personal issues.
Despite two midfielders potentially on the move, the Bulldogs are still in need of key position stocks. The club will be looking to add another key defender to their list after inconsistent years from Alex Keath and Zaine Cordy.
Defender Liam Jones seems likely to rejoin his old club, but may not be the elite stopper the Dogs need after time away from the AFL.
The Bulldogs have Picks 11 29, 37 and 65 available should they need them in a trade.
The 27-year-old defender could add some much-needed experience to the Western Bulldogs' backline.
Darcy Gardiner is a restricted free agent and yet to sign the multi-year deal offered by the Brisbane Lions. Several Victorian clubs are monitoring the situation, with the Bulldogs shaping as a great fit for the Lion.
The key defender has 154 games under his belt at AFL level, with 21 of those coming this year in a deep finals run.
Even at 192cm, Gardiner has been able to lock up the competition's best forwards when needed, holding Jeremy Cameron to a goal despite a lop-sided preliminary finals defeat.
Gardiner could also take the 2nd or 3rd defender and allow one of Keath or Ryan Gardner to attack and intercept the ball.
With Dunkley choosing Brisbane as his preferred destination, Gardiner is an option for the Bulldogs in what will be a complicated trade.
Rory Lobb looms as the most likely acquisition for the Bulldogs this off-season.
The tall-forward requested a trade to Whitten Oval in his exit meeting with Fremantle, but has since been informed that Dockers "wouldn't facilitate a trade" with a year left on his contract.
Even so, Lobb remains firm on his desire to move and the Bulldogs could use him. Josh Bruce played only five games this year after returning from an ACL injury and struggled in form.
In comparison, Lobb kicked 36 goals for the year and averaged 4.4 marks per game. He was the spearhead of Fremantle's attack, and could excel in filling the hole left by Bruce this season.
Fremantle are reluctant to give up the forward target, so the Dogs' Pick 29 and deal-sweeteners could be on the table in a trade.
Taken as Pick 6 in the 2019 AFL Draft, Fischer McAsey played 10 games for the Adelaide Crows in his first season.
The 21-year-old key defender, however, did not play a game for the Crows' AFL side in 2022.
McAsey was a standout in Adelaide's strong SANFL season, playing both as a key back and tall forward, and kicking 19 goals as a 198cm option.
Signed until the end of 2023, the high-potential defender would have to be acquired through trade. Seemingly out-of-favour at the Crows, the Dogs would be hoping to lure the Victorian home without much cost.
With the Lions low on draft stocks, trading for a player of Dunkley's quality is going to cost them. Young midfielder Deven Robertson has been linked to West Coast for draft picks, but could go straight to the Dogs instead.
Robertson would be a good fit at Whitten Oval, with an ability to play wing or inside mid and fill the spots of Dunkley or Hunter.
Mostly known for his defensive game, the 21-year-old would offer something different to the Bulldog's midfield unit.
The young Lion averaged 11.9 disposals and 4.0 tackles for the year, with his best performances coming in Brisbane's three finals.
The tall utility recently requested a trade to North Melbourne, but could turn his sights elsewhere with Kangaroo's coach Alastair Clarkson involved in the Hawthorn racism allegations.
Should Griffin Logue seek another victorian club, the Western Bulldogs are an excellent fit. The Dogs would be happy to accommodate Logue if he desires a set position in the backline.
The 24-year-old played 20 matches this season, changing from key back to key forward as needed. But spending over five years at Fremantle, Logue's best performances have been in defence.
This season, Logue averaged 12.6 disposals, 5.6 spoils, and snuck home 8 goals as a forward.
With Logue out of contract at season's end, the Dogs will have to compete with other club's offers, including a five-year deal from North Melbourne.