Ultimate player ratings: Glenn McFarlane and Jon Ralph rate every Western Bulldog

The pressure is well and truly on at the Dogs. Who’s going to help Luke Beveridge’s side climb the mountain again? Glenn McFarlane and Jon Ralph rate every Dog.

It’s a high pressure year for Luke Beveridge and his Dogs players. Just how far have they improved from last season and do they have the talent to take the next step?

Glenn McFarlane and Jon Ralph give their verdict in the Ultimate Player Ratings.

Criteria: The rating out of 100 is a prediction of their 2025 performance based on their 2024 season, expected improvement and role in their side.

MARCUS BONTEMPELLI 94

Last year: 93

What a year individually he had in 2024 – a sixth Charlie Sutton Medal (one off Scott West’s record), a third Leigh Matthews Trophy, a sixth All-Australian jumper, elite ratings in contested possessions, clearances, metres gained and scoreboard impact. Of the active crop of players, he has polled more Brownlow career votes without winning one than any other footballer (188). Can he do what Teddy couldn’t and secure a second premiership?

ADAM TRELOAR 88

Last year: 76

Star midfielder who produced a career-best season last year and a rare trifecta of runner-up B&Fs at three clubs. He was equal second to Bont, to sit alongside his runner-up efforts at GWS (2015) and Collingwood (2016). Scored his maiden All-Australian blazer after amassing 725 disposals (with an AFL-best average of 31.52) and kicking his best return of 16 goals. Treloar polled 26 votes in the Brownlow, a tally which would have won the medal a generation ago. He will miss a few early matches due to calf issues.

SAM DARCY 86

Last year: 58

Too high? Perhaps, but we’re confident it won’t look out of place by September. His impact and influence on the team rose significantly in 21 games last season. Whether playing forward or in the ruck, he is a 208cm competitive beast. How will they stop him in the future? He kicked 38.23 and was dangerous both in the air and on the ground. Could he start next year ranked in the 90s?

ED RICHARDS 82

Last year: 77

It was the move to the midfield in 2024 that elevated this hard-running free agent to a new level. A priority signing in the coming months for the Bulldogs, he was fifth in the B&F last year, after finishing third the year before. Had a career-best 449 disposals, 100 inside-50s and finished with 11 goals for the season. Suffered a pre-season calf issue.

TOM LIBERATORE 81

Last year: 85

Death, taxes and Tom Liberatore extracting the ball out of difficult places. His knees might be a year-to-year proposition, but the inside-mid’s appetite for the contest is almost insatiable. He was the AFL’s No.1 player for stoppage clearances per game last year and ranked second for clearances per game. Averaged 23.78 disposals from his 18 games with 140 contested possessions and 100 tackles. Turns 33 in May, but is still so important to the Dogs.

TIM ENGLISH 80

Last year: 88

Which Tim English will we see in 2025? The dominant player of 2023 who made the All-Australian side or the ruckman who couldn’t quite impose his will on the game last year? Has now signed a lucrative long-term deal. His numbers were marginally down on a year-to-year basis (-3 disposals and -4 hitouts per game), but the Dogs need him back to his best.

LIAM JONES 79

Last year: 74

We had the Bulldogs’ No.1 defender rated in the early 80s before he suffered a high-grade hamstring strain. He will miss at least the first month of 2025 – maybe more. Such a key player who was fourth in the best and fairest last year, with his 11.6 disposals from 21 games, yielding 7.4 intercept possessions and 3.4 intercept marks. Has just turned 34, but is crucial from a structural point of view.

BAILEY DALE 78

Last year: 73

Luke Beveridge challenged the defender, even relegating him to the sub on one occasion. It worked. Dale went on to produce his best result in a club B&F (equal second) and he made the extended All-Australian squad. His speed, his footy smarts and his metres-gained metrics (top 10 in the AFL) make him such a critical part of the Dogs’ set up.

AARON NAUGHTON 75

Last year: 80

Dipped under 40 goals for the first time in four seasons and missed out on the top 10 in the Bulldogs’ B&F. But the powerful key forward is structurally important. Kicked 35.14 last year, with his best return coming with a six-goal haul against St Kilda. Still ranks above-average or elite from his past 50 games on a range of measurements, including forward 50m marks and forward 50m ground balls. Can clunk big marks, but must own the big moments.

CODY WEIGHTMAN 69

Last year: 72

We had this bloke rated in the mid-70s until he underwent recent knee surgery, which will keep him out for three months. He’s such a dynamic force in the Bulldogs’ forward line, with his capabilities both in the air and on the ground. His elbow issues restricted him to 17 games last year, but he still kicked 27.17, including a haul of six against the Suns. Will be sorely missed in the first part of the season.

JAMARRA UGLE-HAGAN 69

Last year: 79

We had Jamarra ranked in the high 70s until his personal challenges interrupted his pre-season. Getting him fit and well again has to be the priority over his footy right now – and that could take time. It’s a shame as he is coming off a career-best year, kicking 43.35 (imagine if he could tighten his goalkicking) from 22 games and being in the AFL’s top 10 for marks inside 50m/contested marks. If he’s back on track, there is another ceiling to go to.

RORY LOBB 69

Last year: 63

What a stunning career turnaround it was from the Bulldog, who looked set to join a fourth club midway through last season before stunningly transforming into a key defender. He took to the new role – out of necessity in round 16 – like he had played there for his entire life. He locked rock-steady in one-on-one contests, but racked up the intercept marks and possessions, with his 126-ranking point performance against the Cats coming with 14 intercept possessions. Will be even more important in Jones’ absence.

BAILEY WILLIAMS 67

Last year: 60

Underrated Bulldog who had one of his best seasons last year, finishing ninth in the best and fairest after playing every game. His strength generally comes in his kicking, with his 19 disposals per game coming at 77 per cent efficiency. In two games last year he even had 100 per cent efficiency. Had a career-best 457 disposals.

MATT KENNEDY 67

Last year: 62

It’s not often a player finishes 10th in the B&F of a finals side and finds himself at a new club. Kennedy didn’t get the kudos he should have at times with Carlton. He had a strong 2024, yet was strangely selected as the substitute for the elimination final. Big-bodied mid who can also go forward and be dangerous. Rates well in most measurements, including inside-50m kicks and pressure, even if he could work on his efficiency.

RYLEY SANDERS 66

Last year: 66

This time last year we said ‘strap yourselves in and enjoy the ride’ about the young Bulldog midfielder. Ditto for 2025. He played 14 AFL games last year, split by two different stints in the VFL. His best was really good, evidenced by his 23-disposal (11 contested) performance against Geelong early in the season. But he should find more consistency and opportunity.

LACHLAN BRAMBLE 66

Last year: 46

We’re not ashamed to say we got this bloke wrong in last year’s ratings assessment. We weren’t the only ones. The former Hawks defender more than fulfilled the expectations of the club, playing every game, finishing seventh in the B&F and locking down an important role in the Dogs’ back half. He averaged 18.5 disposals and racked up 371m gained per game and a total of 82 rebound-50m (second to Bailey Dale). More please.

JOEL FREIJAH 65

Last year: 44

The Dogs love this guy, and for good reason. He played in defence with the surety of a veteran in the back half of the season. He started out as a wingman in the VFL before moving to defence. Ended up playing 13 AFL games, with his diligence in defence and his hard work making him one of the coach’s favourites. Averaged 15.8 disposals per game with his intercept possessions (rated above-average) rising to 5.7 per game. Lock him in.

TAYLOR DURYEA 65

Last year: 49

He might turn 34 in April, but he still has more to give off the back of another strong season. The defender is as reliable as ever, reeling off another 22 games last year (for a total of 214), and finishing 10th in the Dogs’ best and fairest. A cool head in defence and always hard to beat in one-on-one contests.

HARVEY GALLAGHER 65

Last year: 32

Loved the way this mid-forward performed, not only earning a debut in the first round against Melbourne, but going on to play 20 games for the season. This is not an easy midfield to break into (Bont, Treloar, Libba, Richards and co), so the 21-year-old will have to be content spending plenty of time forward. But he will get there in time. Smart player with a good IQ.

RHYLEE WEST 63

Last year: 52

We’re certain he would have preferred to lock in a midfield spot, but he had to settle for crafting a role as a small forward, and did it with good success for most of the year. He played 21 games – his best return in six seasons – and kicked 25.16, before being an emergency for the elimination after hurting his jaw the week before. With Weightman out for some time, his pressure, ground-ball gets and crafty goal sense will be even more critical.

JAMES HARMES 61

Last year: 62

Can he overcome the soft tissue issues that have hampered him in recent seasons? If he can, this rating could rise into the mid-60s. It was a frustrating first year at the Kennel after two hamstring tears limited him to nine AFL games and seven VFL matches. He polled three Brownlow votes for his 27-disposal, four-goal demolition of Richmond. He just needs some luck with his body.

RILEY GARCIA 60

Last year: 35

The Bulldogs like the flexibility Garcia can provide in a variety of roles, which saw him rewarded with a three-year deal at the back end of last season. He played 12 games last season – his best return at the club – and even though he was out of the side by finals time, he is highly regarded for the cover he can provide. Finished second in the VFL B&F.

JAMES O’DONNELL 60

Last year: 65

Defender who has now played 26 games across two seasons, continuing his growth as a player in 14 matches in 2024. His start to the year was interrupted by an ankle injury and he had to deal with concussion issues later in the year. In between, he did show some good signs, so much so the Dogs gave him a two-year deal that locks him into 2027.

LAITHAM VANDERMEER 60

Last year: 56

Has always been one of Bevo’s favourites and he backed it up with a career-best 24 games last season, mostly in attack. Has now played 68 games. His best effort last year came against the Eagles when he scored 122 ranking points, only the third 100-plus of his career. Will be right in the mix again.

JASON JOHANNISEN 54

Last year: 59

Injuries have cruelled the 2016 Norm Smith Medal winner in recent seasons with only 28 games across the past three years, including nine in 2024. Has already been put on the back foot with a high-end hamstring tendon tear that will sideline him for months. At 32, he is running out of time.

NICK COFFIELD 53

Last year: 50

We’d love to see this bloke finally get a chance at a sustained run in the seniors. He had a tough 2024 in his first year with the Bulldogs, dislocating his shoulder early, which meant a stint on the sidelines after failing to play a game in 2022 and 2023 with the Saints. He is determined to keep fighting for his career, evidenced by his return late last year.

BUKU KHAMIS 53

Last year: 46

It was a mixed bag for the athletically gifted key defender who played a career-best 17 games (almost 10 disposals, 4.6 marks and 5.2 intercepts). Lost his spot late in the year (he was emergency in the elimination final), but will have early opportunities in Jones’ absence.

RYAN GARDNER 51

Last year: 52

Defender who had a nightmare 2024, spending the best part of three months on the sidelines with a wrist injury. He played four games in the VFL in the early part of the season and four more towards the end, with no AFL games. Has played 53 in almost a decade with the Bulldogs. He has a deal for 2026, but at 28, he will be hoping to get a clear run at it.

CALEB POULTER 50

Last year: 51

Another of the mid-range Dogs who faces an important contract year after modest returns from seven AFL games last year, including five in a row later in the season. Good run-and-carry wingman, but must build on any opportunity that might come early in the season.

LACHLAN McNEIL 50

Last year: 47

Booked a new two-year deal late last year off the back of his strong 2024 season where he overcame a slow start to reel off the last nine games in the Bulldogs’ AFL side for 12 games overall. Kicked 12 goals in that time and rated above average for forward 50m ground ball gets. Might get a few more chances in Weightman’s early absence.

JEDD BUSSLINGER 49

Last year: 33

We suspect the one-time No.13 draft pick could finally get his chance. He has played 38 VFL games in two years without yet cracking it for a senior debut. The Dogs have been patient with him, giving him a new two-year deal midway through last year. His 2024 VFL numbers were solid – 20.8 disposals at 81 per cent efficiency, along with 7.8 marks and 7.4 intercepts.

SAM DAVIDSON 49

Last year: N/A

The Dogs have liked the look of the blonde former Richmond VFL key forward. He kicked 26.13 from 17 games in the VFL last year, including a bag of six and three majors under lights in the Dreamtime at the ‘G curtain-raiser. It was enough to see the 23-year-old drafted at pick 51. He won the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal for the best young talent in the VFL, an award that has kickstarted a few AFL careers. He could get some early chances.

OSKAR BAKER 48

Last year: 50

Lost his spot in the pecking order for a wing or outside-mid role when left languishing in the VFL for much of the season. Having played 18 AFL games the year before, he could muster only six last year, with a string of 15 in the VFL. It’s a critical year for the former Demon.

ANTHONY SCOTT 47

Last year: 51

He’s long been one of the coaches’ favourites for his versatility, but he couldn’t follow up a career-best 22 games and 12 goals in 2023. Ended up playing only two senior games mid-season (one as the unused sub) and was consistently overlooked, playing 13 games in the VFL. At 30, he will have to fight for a spot.

JORDAN CROFT 46

Last year: 45

It is almost ‘take two’ for the father-son pick after a challenging 2024 season, which included nine games missed with a thigh injury, two from a shin and one from concussion. The emerging key forward would have found it hard for spots anyway (Naughton, Darcy and Ugle-Hagan), but his body only allowed him to play 10 VFL games and kick 11 goals (including two lots of three). The Dogs won’t rush him as he has undoubted talent.

ARTHUR JONES 45

Last year: 49

Big year ahead for the small forward, who just couldn’t replicate his encouraging 2023 season and ended up playing just one game last season. He had to wait until the final home and away game to get his chance, kicking a goal against the Giants, but was overlooked in the final. Played 20 VFL games for a goal per game, but must start making inroads now.

JOSH DOLAN 42

Last year: N/A

Small forward who has made a good impression at the Dogs after being taken with pick 31 last year. He will push for senior selection this season and will put pressure on the likes of Laitham Vandermeer and Lachie McNeil.

COOPER HINES 40

Last year: N/A

The Dogs won’t rush their first pick (20th overall) from last year’s draft, with the Dandenong Stingrays mid-forward likely to learn the ropes through the club’s VFL system. He averaged 131 ranking points in 15 Coates League matches last season, including a top-end figure of 218 (including three goals) against Oakleigh. Watch this space.

LUKE CLEARY 38

Last year: 35

Heading into his fourth season with the Bulldogs, the soon-to-be 23-year-old defender needs to start making his mark after playing only seven games since being drafted at pick 61 in 2021. He played back-to-back mid-year games against Richmond and GWS Giants – where he averaged 4.5 intercepts per game – but couldn’t lock down a spot. Big year ahead.

LUKE KENNEDY 38

Last year: N/A

The last player chosen from the Dogs’ five-man haul from the 2024 draft, he looks a lively type after a solid pre-season. Good user of the ball whose running is his greatest asset.

LACHIE JAQUES 37

Last year: N/A

Rebounding defender from the Geelong Falcons, who will learn the ropes from the more experienced Bulldogs backmen. Won’t be rushed.

LACHLAN SMITH 30

Last year: 30

Project ruckman who played 18 VFL games last year for 10.1 disposals and 25.2 hitouts per game. It’s hard to see him finding a role this year given the key big men strength of the Dogs, but at 19, he still has plenty of time on his side.

Originally published as Ultimate player ratings: Glenn McFarlane and Jon Ralph rate every Western Bulldog