The Western Bulldogs have been left impressed by their pair of train-on prospects this summer as the club weighs up potentially handing a list spot to one of two VFL stars.
The Dogs have had Werribee midfielder Dom Brew training at Whitten Oval over the past two months, with an unwanted quad strain bookended by promising stints on the track in Luke Beveridge's program.
Brew, who is coming off a premiership season with the 'Bees where he also took out the J.J. Liston Trophy, has continued to build his case for an AFL contract with the Dogs via the Supplemental Selection Period.
In the absence of injured ruckman Tim English, the Bulldogs invited Southport ruckman and former Gold Coast tall Brayden Crossley to train during the club's Queensland camp.
The Dogs are now set to rely on Crossley further as English continues to nurse an abdominal injury, with Beveridge lacking ready-made ruck reinforcements ahead of the 2025 season.
Speaking on 3AW,ย Dogs assistant Brendon Lade said both SSP prospects have given the club something to consider.
"Dom has been with us since the start of December, he's had a good run at it and had some solid training in that period," Lade said.
"He had his best match sim on Sunday when we had a bit of a hitout, so that was really pleasing for him.
"It's exciting for him just to get the opportunity to come and train. Where that ends up I'm not sure yet.
"We also had big Crossley come on down to play in our intraclub and he did some really good things, provided some competitiveness. He's a big unit."
Required ruck depth isn't the only area the Dogs will have to ponder adjusting over the coming weeks, with the club already losing midfielder Adam Treloar, key defender Liam Jones and flanker Jason Johannisen for the start of the home and away season.
While home to an array of midfield and half-backs, the Dogs' tall defensive ranks are less stable behind Jones, with his hamstring injury potentially opening the door for a debutant.
Former first-round pick Jedd Busslinger has waited in the wings across his first two seasons at the Kennel, flourishing in the VFL as a developing defender.
The 198cm stopper could be in line for a senior role to start his third season, with the Dogs needing to assess their options over the coming weeks.
"We're disappointed but we're also excited about the opportunity (the injuries) can create for others," Lade added.
"[Busslinger] had a really good year last year and improved a lot under the tutelage of Alex Johnson, who really helped him a lot in his development.
"We just need to keep seeing him improve week on week, month on month, year on year so that he can get that opportunity.
"He'll be one that'll be in the discussion. James O'Donnell's another one, Buku Khamis is one and Rory Lobb had a great year down back last year.
"We've got some options."
The Dogs fave Essendon and Hawthorn later this pre-season before ramping up for a Round 1 clash against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
