We look at the Western Bulldogs’ top SuperCoach picks, cash cow and high risk, high reward

THE Western Bulldogs’ hangover saw a number of SuperCoach favourites struggle in 2017. However, we’re backing them in for a revival in 2018. Check out our picks and predicted best 22.

THE Western Bulldogs were far from the fairytale premiers of 2016 last year.

Sadly, that translated to SuperCoach as well, as a number of key players’ output dropped.

However, a pre-season of soul searching has Luke Beveridge’s men looking to bounce back and return to September and our SuperCoach hearts.

SUPERCOACH: EVERY BULLDOG’S PRICE AND POSITION

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TRACK WATCH: SHARP LIBBA HAS DOGGIES BARKING

EIGHT REASONS: WHY DOGS CAN RETURN TO FINALS

There are plenty of options in the red, white and blue - each with the pros and cons - headlined by high-priced stars Jack Macrae and Marcus Bontempelli.

Big seasons are expected of the likes of Luke Dahlhaus, Jason Johannisen, Tom Liberatore and Lachie Hunter if a finals return is to be achieved.

Check out our picks for the Dogs’ SuperCoach stud, cash cow, high risk, high reward as well as a predicted Round 1 line-up.

Marcus Bontempelli was the Bulldogs second best SuperCoach scorer in 2017.

PREMIUMS

Marcus Bontempelli (Mid, $577,800)

Won his second Charles Sutton Medal but pipped as the all important No.1 SuperCoach scorer by Jack Macrae. “The Bont” is about as reliable as they come, averaging 100-plus in the last three years, and scoring 90-plus in 15 of 22 games in what was a “down season”. Arguably underpriced for what we know the young gun can produce.

Luke Dahlhaus (Mid-Fwd, $498,500)

The Dogs star battled through injury in 2017 and saw his SuperCoach average drop from 95 in 2016 (also injury affected) to 90. Dahlhaus averaged 99 through the first 12 weeks but only scored 90-plus twice (both 100s) on the run home. Thankfully, he’s retained his midfield-forward status.

Jack Macrae (Mid, $587,800)

The top-priced Bulldog, Macrae had an outstanding season in 2017 and was a must-have given his DPP status. Sadly, he’s now lost his forward eligibility and is a midfielder only in 2018. That will likely see his popularity plummet but could still be a good point of difference option.

Tom Liberatore talks with Luke Beveridge last season. Picture: George Salpigtidis

MID-PRICE RISKS

Jason Johannisen (Def, $450,800)

Was averaging a solid 90 before his season was turned upside down when Sydney went after him physically in Round 12. He averaged 72 the rest of the way. Whether teams target the speedster again in 2018 remains to be seen but he’s certainly capable of joining the elite group of playmaking half-backs.

Hayden Crozier (Fwd, $341,400)

Played forward at Fremantle but looks likely to be deployed at half-back at the Bulldogs. Champion Data tweeted when he was traded; “Crozier ranked =1st at the club for effective kicks and 3rd for metres gained as a defender from Rnds 10-20 in 2016.” The Dogs play a SuperCoach friendly game for defenders, see Bob Murphy and Matt Boyd.

Tom Liberatore (Mid, $434,600)

Few illustrated the Dogs’ 2017 struggles better than ‘Libba’. The tough onballer saw his SuperCoach average fall from 90 to 79 and was dropped mid season. However, if he is deployed as a full-time ball-winner in 2018 there’s no reason why he can’t regain his previous best.

Luke Dahlhaus and Jason Johannisen share a laugh at training.

ROOKIES

Ed Richards (Def, $135,300)

The Dogs haven’t been afraid to play the youngsters under Luke Beveridge and if there’s a spot to fill its at half-back. A line-breaking defender with speed and playmaking capabilities. A certainty to see plenty of action in the AFLX and JLT Community Series. Don’t rule out a Round 1 debut.

NO-GO ZONE

Tom Boyd (Ruck, $339,400)

If the Dogs’ Grand Final hero is back playing it’s a win but don’t get sucked in when it comes to SuperCoach. He’s a ruckman only in 2018 and there’s plenty more options available.

Mitch Wallis (Mid-Fwd, $482,900)

Wallis’ return from a horror broken leg was one of the good news stories of 2017 but he’s never been a huge SuperCoach contributor. He’s only averaged over 90 once in his career and despite having midfield-forward eligibility is arguably too big a risk.

PREDICTED 22

B: Easton Wood Dale Morris Shane Biggs

HB: Hayden Crozier Jackson Trengove Jason Johannisen

C: Lachie Hunter Jack Macrae Bailey Dale

HF: Luke Dahlhaus Tom Boyd Caleb Daniel

F: Josh Schache Jack Redpath Toby McLean

Foll: Jordan Roughead Marcus Bontempelli Tom Liberatore

I/C: Mitch Wallis Josh Dunkley Tory Dickson Liam Picken