The Western Bulldogs finished 2025 with 14 wins and a whopping percentage of over 137 - both of which were records for a non-finals playing side.
On paper, the Dogs boast one of the most complete lists in the competition: a forward line spearheaded by Sam Darcy and Aaron Naughton, a midfield featuring Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore and Ed Richards, and a backline sparked by the line-breaking Bailey Dale.
Yet, despite being a dangerous side chock-full of star power at the top, the Dogs' depth, defensive capabilities and consistency were a step below the top eight and ultimately saw them miss September despite averaging over 16 goals per game, becoming the first club to achieve that scoring feat since Adelaide in 2016.
So, what should Dogs fans expect from the playing group in 2026? Here's the best 23 that might run out in the tricolours this season…
Best 23
FB: Bailey Dale, James O'Donnell, Nick Coffield
HB: Connor Budarick, Rory Lobb, Lachie Bramble
C: Adam Treloar, Ed Richards, Bailey Williams
HF: Joel Freijah, Sam Darcy, Sam Davidson
FF: Cody Weightman, Aaron Naughton, Rhylee West
FO: Tim English, Tom Liberatore, Marcus Bontempelli
I/C: Matthew Kennedy, Ryley Sanders, Laitham Vandermeer, Cooper Hynes, Buku Khamis
Stiff to miss: Lachy Carmichael, Jedd Busslinger, Josh Dolan
