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THE drought is broken.
But don’t expect the Western Bulldogs to be going anywhere in season 2017.
Having dealt with copious injury issues last season, coach Luke Beveridge was forced to rely on the vast depth of his list to take the club to its first premiership in 62 years.
Now, with stars like captain Robert Murphy back — and with recruits like Collingwood premiership forward Travis Cloke — the Dogs will be ready to go again.
Such is the club’s depth, Cloke might battle to make the side’s best 22 in Round 1.
Tom Boyd’s coming-of-age performance almost secures his spot, while Stewart Crameri’s return from suspension gives the forward line a different dimension.
Add the likes of Jake Stringer, Tory Dickson, Liam Picken, Clay Smith, Luke Dahlhaus and Caleb Daniel into that mix — as well as big men Jack Redpath and Zaine Cordy — and it’s a tough ask making yourself a permanent fixture in that team.
Down back, a similar situation is unfolding.
Murphy’s return, combined with the outstanding form of fellow veterans Dale Morris and Matthew Boyd, means the likes of Matt Suckling and Marcus Adams will have a job on their hands to work their way into the team.
Fletcher Roberts, a premiership-winning defender who impressed on the big stage last year, is in a similar position, having played only 16 games before returning for the preliminary final.
Last season, the Dogs frightened opposition fans even with their extensive injury issues. Now, imagine them fully fit in 2017.
Over the next month, foxfooty.com.au will be previewing your team’s best 22.
As always, there will be some contentious decisions — and some unlucky omissions.
THE LOCK
Marcus Bontempelli — Arguably the game’s most exciting player, opposition sides are struggling to find a way to halt Bontempelli’s influence. A stunning season last year resulted in an average of 24.4 disposals and a goal per game, with his class and ability to turn a contest from the middle unrivalled in the competition. It’s staggering to think he is still just 21.
THE BUBBLE
Matt Suckling — The defender played 17 games last season, but lost his place in the side due to an Achilles injury suffered during the semis and didn’t make it back for the grand final. With veteran skipper Robert Murphy and the big-bodied Marcus Adams both returning from long-term injuries, he’ll have his work cut out to remain in the best 22 next season.
THE RISING STAR
Josh Dunkley — It’s hard to choose a rising star in a squad jam-packed with them, but Dunkley showed a lot of promise last season — particularly in the finals. The 20-year-old played 17 games last year, averaging 16.9 disposals and 5.8 tackles per match. He was an ever-present in the side throughout its finals campaign, racking up more than 20 touches in two do-or-die clashes. He was ultra composed in the grand final and looks a promising young talent.
IT’S A BIG YEAR ...
Travis Cloke — It’s the obvious one, isn’t it? Cloke arrives from Collingwood following one of the exchange period’s most high-profile trades. However, after doing so in order to play more senior footy, Cloke will have a tough task breaking into a Dogs side coming off premiership success. With a meagre goal return last season, the pressure will be on Cloke to produce straightaway if he is to establish himself as a regular in Luke Beveridge’s team.
BEST 22
B: Matthew Boyd, Dale Morris, Shane Biggs
HB: Jason Johannisen, Easton Wood, Robert Murphy
C: Lachie Hunter, Mitch Wallis, Jack Macrae
HF: Jake Stringer, Stewart Crameri, Liam Picken
F: Luke Dalhaus, Tom Boyd, Caleb Daniel
FOLL: Jordan Roughead, Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore
I/C: Tory Dickson, Clay Smith, Matt Suckling, Josh Dunkley
EMG: Travis Cloke, Marcus Adams, Toby McLean
OTHERS: Tom Campbell, Jack Redpath, Fletcher Roberts, Lukas Webb, Mitch Honeychurch, Declan Hamilton, Patrick Lipinski, Fergus Greene, Bailey Dale, Kieran Collins, Lewis Young, Bailey Williams, Tim English, Lin Jong, Zaine Cordy
ROOKIES: Josh Prudden, Bradley Lynch, Roarke Smith, Nathan Mullenger-McHugh, Tristan Tweedie
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