Western Bulldogs season 2025 preview: Lachlan McKirdy breaks down where the Dogs sit

There’s been a slight changing of the guard at Whitten Oval in recent times, could it extend to the coach if this list fails to deliver in 2025? Lachlan McKirdy previews their season.

Where do the Bulldogs sit?

There’s been a slight changing of the guard at Whitten Oval following the departures of Jack Macrae, Caleb Daniel and Bailey Smith with only 11 players remaining from the 23 who lined up in the 2021 grand final. With fresh face Matt Kennedy and an array of youngsters continuing to develop, will Luke Beveridge be justified in his decision to reset while Marcus Bontempelli is at the peak of his powers? Lachlan McKirdy looks at all the big issues at the Kennel.

Sam Darcy looks destined to become one of the AFL’s premier forwards.

SURPRISE PACKET OF 2024

There have always been big wraps on Sam Darcy, but he took some massive steps in his development in 2024. He played 21 matches and finished 38 goals as a genuinely dangerous forward target. It’s a big springboard for the rest of his career and with another pre-season under his belt he will look to become one of the competition’s best young forwards.

INS AND OUTS

IN: Sam Davidson (No. 51 draft pick), Josh Dolan (No. 31 draft pick), Cooper Hynes (No. 20 draft pick), Lachie Jaques (No. 29 draft pick), Luke Kennedy (No. 62 draft pick), Matt Kennedy (trade, Carlton)

Matt Kennedy joined the Bulldogs after being traded by Carlton. Picture: Michael Klein

OUT: Dominic Bedendo (delisted), Charlie Clarke (delisted), Caleb Daniel (trade, North Melbourne), Alex Keath (retired), Jack Macrae (trade, St Kilda), Aiden O’Driscoll (retired), Kelsey Rypstra (delisted), Bailey Smith (trade, Geelong)

WHO’S PLAYING FOR A CONTRACT?

Ed Richards built a reputation as a handy halfback during his early seasons at the Bulldogs, but when Tom Liberatore went down he got a chance in the midfield and thrived. Even when Liberatore returned from injury, Richards stayed and played well in the rotation. His ball use is elite out of the centre square and he has a turn of pace that the Dogs lacked. If he can have another strong campaign in the centre, a long-term, big-money extension is on the cards.

LAST YEAR IN CONTRACT

Adam Treloar, Anthony Scott, Arthur Jones, Caleb Poulter, Ed Richards, Jason Johannisen, Lachlan Smith, Laitham Vandermeer, Liam Jones, Marcus Bontempelli, Nicholas Coffield, Oskar Baker, Taylor Duryea, Tom Liberatore

Lachie Bramble became a favourite of coach Luke Beveridge. Picture: Mark Stewart

POSITION THAT NEEDS TO BE FILLED AND WHO CAN FILL IT?

The Bulldogs aren’t wanting for much, with Lobb filling their main deficiency down back halfway through last season. If Richards plays a prominent midfield role, an extra distributor down back would certainly help rather than relying heavily on Bailey Dale. Bramble came to the club and quickly became one of Beveridge’s favourites, and will be hoping to take an extra step in his development at his second club.

BURNING QUESTION

Is the Bulldogs’ list one on the way up or down? At times it’s been hard to tell, with genuine superstars ever-present in the team. But there have been big list changes with Bailey Smith, Caleb Daniel and Jack Macrae all departing. Is this the start of a new era where they can build on their sixth-placed finish, or could it be a season of pain as they get more games into their young stars to build again in 2026 and beyond?

Originally published as Western Bulldogs season 2025 preview: Lachlan McKirdy breaks down where the Dogs sit