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WESTERN BULLDOGS
Lindsay Gilbee: Still a very smart playmaker and a great user of the ball, but he's right up against it. In a developing team with young defenders like Christian Howard and Easton Wood staking their claims, a 31-year-old who has had extended absences with calf and knee injuries would be lucky to be retained. A one-match suspension for an undisciplined belly-whack won't help his cause, either. Has signalled his intention to play on next season, even if it means going elsewhere.
Ryan Hargrave: Has declared his intention to play on but this prospect seems increasingly unlikely by the week, with Hargrave being dropped after the round 16 loss to Hawthorn and being named an emergency for the two games since. Injury restricted him to just five games last season and after a promising start to 2012, he again seems hampered by niggling body issues. Not a great sign for a 31-year-old.
Daniel Giansiracusa: Has no intention of retiring and appears highly likely to be offered another contract. Despite battling a foot problem that sidelined him for three matches, the 30-year-old is the Bulldogs' leading goalkicker with 21 - a rare commodity for a team struggling to score. Also one of the few Dogs who can be relied upon to hit a target forward of centre.
Dale Morris: Ongoing issues with the leg he broke last season have conspired against the 29-year-old defender, who has played just a quarter in Williamstown's reserves this season. Though on the long-term injury list, he is hopeful of playing before season's end. However, another serious mishap with his problem leg could force him to consider hanging up the boots. Will be given every chance to prove himself.
Adam Cooney: Retirement is admittedly a remote possibility at best, with both the Bulldogs and the Brownlow medallist keen to continue their association. However, further significant deterioration of Cooney's troublesome knee might prompt a rethink. Either way, it's a sad situation for the 26-year-old, who has missed the past four games with knee soreness and might not reappear for the rest of the season.
Daniel Cross: Suffered a season-ending shoulder injury on Sunday but the 29-year-old is contracted for another season and has McCartney's full support. Might come under increasing pressure to keep his spot in the side as young midfielders like Mitch Wallis, Tom Liberatore and Clay Smith develop, but is one of the most respected players at the club with his professionalism, hardness and work ethic, and will probably pick up exactly where he left off.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Lindsay Gilbee: Still a very smart playmaker and a great user of the ball, but he's right up against it. In a developing team with young defenders like Christian Howard and Easton Wood staking their claims, a 31-year-old who has had extended absences with calf and knee injuries would be lucky to be retained. A one-match suspension for an undisciplined belly-whack won't help his cause, either. Has signalled his intention to play on next season, even if it means going elsewhere.
Ryan Hargrave: Has declared his intention to play on but this prospect seems increasingly unlikely by the week, with Hargrave being dropped after the round 16 loss to Hawthorn and being named an emergency for the two games since. Injury restricted him to just five games last season and after a promising start to 2012, he again seems hampered by niggling body issues. Not a great sign for a 31-year-old.
Daniel Giansiracusa: Has no intention of retiring and appears highly likely to be offered another contract. Despite battling a foot problem that sidelined him for three matches, the 30-year-old is the Bulldogs' leading goalkicker with 21 - a rare commodity for a team struggling to score. Also one of the few Dogs who can be relied upon to hit a target forward of centre.
Dale Morris: Ongoing issues with the leg he broke last season have conspired against the 29-year-old defender, who has played just a quarter in Williamstown's reserves this season. Though on the long-term injury list, he is hopeful of playing before season's end. However, another serious mishap with his problem leg could force him to consider hanging up the boots. Will be given every chance to prove himself.
Adam Cooney: Retirement is admittedly a remote possibility at best, with both the Bulldogs and the Brownlow medallist keen to continue their association. However, further significant deterioration of Cooney's troublesome knee might prompt a rethink. Either way, it's a sad situation for the 26-year-old, who has missed the past four games with knee soreness and might not reappear for the rest of the season.
Daniel Cross: Suffered a season-ending shoulder injury on Sunday but the 29-year-old is contracted for another season and has McCartney's full support. Might come under increasing pressure to keep his spot in the side as young midfielders like Mitch Wallis, Tom Liberatore and Clay Smith develop, but is one of the most respected players at the club with his professionalism, hardness and work ethic, and will probably pick up exactly where he left off.
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