Western Bulldogs list analysis: Every player’s contract status

The Bulldogs have said goodbye to a number of their 2016 premiership era stars this year, but which of their now former teammates could follow suit in 2023?

The Western Bulldogs fell from a grand final appearance in 2021 to eighth in 2022, knocked out in an elimination final by Fremantle after leading by 41 points.

The Dogs were one of the most active clubs in the trade period, snaring Rory Lobb and re-signing Liam Jones but losing Josh Dunkley, Lachie Hunter and Josh Schache.

Where is the Dogs’ list at entering 2023?

MORE LIST ANALYSIS: WHY PIES ARE PRIMED FOR LONG PERIOD OF SUCCESS

How is the Bulldogs’ list placed ahead of the draft?

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1. Adam Treloar. Age: 29 | Games: 212 | Contract status: Signed to 2025

Had a far better run with injury in his second season after his high-publicised move from Collingwood, and looked to be back to his best. Still has two years on his deal.

2. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. Age: 20 | Games: 22 | Status: Signed to 2024

Has come under some scrutiny since the Bulldogs were able to match a bid at No.1 in the draft for the Next Generation Academy selection, but there were some extremely promising signs from the young gun this year. His five-goal display against Melbourne showed just what talent Ugle-Hagan has.

3. Mitch Wallis. Age: 29 | Games: 162 | Status: Delisted

Delisted after playing only 11 games in the last two years.

4. Marcus Bontempelli. Age: 26 | Games: 193 | Status: Signed to 2025

The captain signed a four-year deal last year. Missed the All-Australian team this year but showed in the elimination final against Fremantle just how good he is with a two-goal, 30 disposal game. Is he the best Bulldog of all time?

Bontempelli is in line for a huge 2023. Picture: AFL Photos/Getty Images

6. Bailey Smith. Age: 21 | Games: 84 | Status: Signed to 2024

Signed a two-year deal in August, after which he should get a monster contract as one of the AFL’s most marketable players. Served a suspension this year after admitting to taking cocaine following incriminating vision emerged on social media, but that isn’t stopping the Smith juggernaut.

8. Stefan Martin. Age: 35 | Games: 203 | Status: Out of contract

Brought in to help Tim English, Martin played only 13 games in two seasons for the Bulldogs. Announced his retirement on Monday.

9. Hayden Crozier. Age: 28 | Games: 138 | Status: Signed to 2023

Still has a year to go on his contract but fell out of favour this season, playing just five games. Make or break season ahead.

10. Sam Darcy. Age: 19 | Games: 4 | Status: Signed to 2023

The son of club great Luke made his debut towards the end of the season and showed why he attracted a bid at No.2 in his draft. Looks set to become a long-term swingman for the Dogs and could be a key player as early as next season. The only question: Is he best used in attack or defence?

11. Jack Macrae. Age: 28 | Games: 208 | Status: Signed to 2027

Signed a new five-year contract earlier this year. Continues to be one of the game’s most prolific and reliable midfielders.

14. Rhylee West. Age: 22 | Games: 25 | Status: Signed to 2024

Recently signed a two-year contract extension after a breakout year at the Bulldogs. Has showed plenty of versatility in his four seasons at the kennel, impressing as a pressure forward this year.

15. Taylor Duryea. Age: 31 | Games: 172 | Status: Out of contract

Forced his way back into the side at the end of the season after missing two months with a knee injury. Looks set to win a new deal for 2023.

16. Toby McLean Age: 26 Games: 96 Status: Signed to 2023

Only played two games this year, after the three in 2021. But McLean recently signed a one-year extension with the Bulldogs and could be in line for a bigger role next year.

17. Josh Bruce Age: 30 Games: 155 Status: Signed to 2023

Returned this year after an ACL injury, playing five games. Is still so important to the Bulldogs forward line, will be interesting to see how Lobb works with Bruce.

18. Louis Butler Age: 21 Games: four Status: delisted

Only played four games in three seasons. Was delisted on Monday.

19. Cody Weightman Age: 21 Games: 40 Status: Signed to 2023

Continues his evolution as a livewire and damaging small forward. The Bulldogs love him and he will be in line for a big contract next year.

Cody Weightman is loved by the Dogs. Picture: Mark Stewart

20. Ed Richards | Age: 23 | Games: 85 | Status: Signed to 2023

Regained a place in the team this year, playing 22 games. Impressed as a rebound defender and should improve further in 2023.

21. Tom Liberatore | Age: 30 | Games: 195 | Status: Signed to 2023

Came under fire after a down round 1 but was a contested beast for the Bulldogs this year. Provides the Dogs with some bite in the middle of the ground.

22. Tim O’Brien | Age: 28 | Games: 108 | Status: Signed to 2023

Came to the Dogs from Hawthorn as they looked for some tall depth. Hasn’t fixed their issue in defence, but is still a handy player to have on the list.

23. Laitham Vandermeer | Age: 23 | Games: 33 | Status: Signed to 2023

Had some injury issues this year, limiting him to the 10 games. But the Bulldogs do like the work he does as a pressure forward.

24. Buku Khamis | Age: 22 | Games: 9 | Status: Signed to 2023

Flicked forward from defence, Khamis showed some promise in the eight games he played this season and had some strong VFL form as well. The Bulldogs will be hoping he continues to make similar strides in 2023.

25. Charlie Parker | Age: 24 | Games: 0 | Status: Delisted

The mature-age recruit was surprisingly selected from the SANFL in last year’s rookie draft.

Was delisted on Monday.

26. Dominic Bedendo | Age: 20 | Games: 2 | Status: Signed to 2023

Made his debut for the Bulldogs this year after impressing with his aerial and contested marking in the VFL. Signed a new deal earlier this year.

27. Robbie McComb | Age: 26 | Games: 15 | Status: Signed to 2023

After four years in Footscray’s program in the VFL, McComb got his chance in the AFL this year. He showed he could be a role player for the Bulldogs, and recently signed a new deal.

28 Anthony Scott | Age: 27 | Games: 35 | Status: Signed to 2023

Has had a sensational rise since he joined the Bulldogs as a mature-age recruit following fine form with Footscray in the VFL. Scott has carved out an important role in the Bulldogs side.

29 Mitch Hannan | Age: 28 | Games: 74 | Status: Signed to 2023

Signed a one-year extension in June. Hannan was impressive for the Bulldogs in his first season in 2021 when he moved to the club from Melbourne. A concussion in round 3 this season resulted in him missing significant time, and the Dogs will be hoping to have more of Hannan next year.

30. Lachlan McNeil | Age: 21 | Games: 29 | Status: Signed to 2023

A tough onballer with clean hands and good speed, McNeil has made being overlooked in his draft year in 2019 look like a mistake as he has carved out a role for the Dogs. Will be out of contract at the end of next year.

31. Bailey Dale | Age: 26 | Games: 108 | Status: Signed to 2027

Signed a five-year deal earlier this year. Has emerged as an extremely reliable defender for the Bulldogs, especially with his pinpoint kicking accuracy.

32. Arthur Jones |Age: 19 | Games: 0 | Status: Signed to 2023

The speedy Indigenous midfielder/forward is yet to debut for the Bulldogs but still has a year to go on his current deal. Next year looms as a big one for Jones.

33. Aaron Naughton | Age: 22 | Games: 100 | Status: Signed to 2024

One of the game’s best centre half-forwards, but is that where the Bulldogs see him in 2023? The arrival of Lobb could see Naughton flicked back to defence, where he starred as a junior. Shapes as a big call for Luke Beveridge.

Could Aaron Naughton make the switch to defence next year? Picture: Getty Images

34. Bailey Williams | Age: 24 | Games: 104 | Status: Signed to 2023

Played more of a wing role at times this year rather than his usual defensive role. Will likely sign a new contract next year.

35. Caleb Daniel. Age: 26 | Games: 153 | Status: Signed to 2026

Inked a four-year deal this season. Is one of the best kicks in the competition and vital to the way the Bulldogs want to play.

36. Luke Cleary | Age: 20 | Games: 4 | Status: Signed to 2023

The intercept defender made four appearances for the Bulldogs in 2022 and was regularly listed as an emergency. He will be looking for more in 2023.

37. Roarke Smith. Age: 26 | Games: 47 | Status: Signed to 2023

Signed a two-year contract extension last season after living on seven consecutive one-year rookie deals. Does whatever job required of him.

38. Riley Garcia | Age: 21 | Games: 16 | Status: Signed to 2024

Has managed just 16 games but Garcia is a player they rate highly, evident by the two-year contract they have given the young midfielder.

39. Jason Johannisen. Age: 29 | Games: 176 | Status: Signed to 2024

The 2016 Norm Smith Medallist signed a new two-year deal when it looked like he could be on the way to the Gold Coast. Previously a dashing defender, Johannisen played as a small forward this year.

40. Cody Raak | Age: 19 | Games: 0 | Status: Signed to 2023

The Next Generation Academy prospect was added to the list as a pre-selected Category B rookie in 2021. Hasn’t played an AFL game yet, but did recently sign a new one-year deal.

41. Jordon Sweet. Age: 24 | Games: 11 | Status: Signed to 2023

The back-up ruckman managed six games this year. Is contracted for 2023 but Lobb’s arrival will impact his chances of more game time.

42. Alex Keath | Age: 30 | Games: 86 | Status: Signed to 2023

Has become an important part of the Dogs backline since he came to the club from Adelaide.

But he was surprisingly dropped mid-season. Is the former cricketer the answer to the Bulldogs key defender issues?

43. Ryan Gardner | Age: 25 | Games: 43 | Status: Signed to 2023

Has come under fire for some of his performances but Beveridge loves the Tasmanian key defender. But both key backs need more support.

Rory Lobb has arrived from Fremantle. Picture: AFL Photos/Getty Images

44. Tim English | Age: 25 | Games: 85 | Status: Signed to 2024

Has shown signs of why he has been dubbed the future best ruckman in the competition.

But at other times has been bullied by bigger bodies, and the Bulldogs will be hoping this changes in 2023. If it does then his next contract in 2024 could be a monster one after he spurned interest from Western Australian clubs to re-sign at the Bulldogs this year.

Rory Lobb. Age: 29 | Games: 140 | Status: Signed to 2025

Arrived from Fremantle in a last-minute trade despite the Dockers saying they wouldn’t let him go. Lobb is expected to act as a key forward spearhead for the Dogs and provide ruck cover for English.

Liam Jones. Age: 31 | Games: 161 | Status: Signed to 2025

Has returned to the Bulldogs after leaving Carlton and sitting out the 2022 season because of his Covid-19 vaccination stance. Could be the answer to the Bulldogs key defender issues in 2023.