If your club could have one thing guaranteed for season 2026, what would it be?
We've compiled a list of wishes to answer that question. So, here's one thing your club will be hoping is granted for Christmas this year.
Western Bulldogs
A competent backline
The Bulldogs' midfield group is stacked with elite talent, leading the competition in clearances this season and scores originating from centre bounces in 2025. The club has also continued to unveil its plethora of 200cm-plus forward talents, with superstar Sam Darcy the most notable, highlighting how their forward 50 combinations could be total mismatches for most opposition.
However, there is one element of their game that let them down significantly in 2025 and, if nothing changes for 2026, it will likely let them down again.
It is, of course, their defensive profile.
The Bulldogs ranked 17th this season in defensive one-on-one contests lost, losing 32.8% of their 10.5 one-on-ones per game. They also ranked 17th in spoils and conceded 11.6 marks inside 50 per game.
It will take some effort to change that in 2026, given the club's attempt to land a star key back failed on multiple occasions, missing out on Jack Silvagni and being unable to pry Callum Wilkie out of St Kilda.
If this changes, however, they'll certainly be one of the teams to beat next year, given how historically dominant their other two lines on the field were and will likely continue to be next year.
