<p>After getting blown off the park by the Dees in the 2021 decider, everyone was curious to see how the Western Bulldogs would back up the following year.</p>
<p>Well, the answer was not so great. They dropped down the table all the way to 8th, before being bundled out in their elimination final by the Fremantle Dockers.</p>
<p>Defensively is where they struggled last term and shoring things up at the back will no doubt be a priority for Luke Beveridge and his staff.</p>
<p>Now with less expectation on their shoulders and with a host of exciting new signings, can the Doggies stop the bleeding and get their title aspirations back on track? Or will 2023 see them continue their slide down the ladder?</p>
<p>For all the latest Western Bulldogs tips and predictions ahead of the new season, read our preview below.</p>
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<h2>Key Gains</h2>
<p> </p>
<p><em><strong>Oskar Baker (Supplemental selection period)</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>Jedd Busslinger (No.13 draft pick)</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>Charlie Clarke (No.24 draft pick)</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>Harvey Gallagher (No.39 draft pick)</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>Liam Jones (Free agent)</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>Rory Lobb (Fremantle Dockers)</strong></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Bulldogs have strengthened at both ends of the paddock during the off-season.</p>
<p>First off, they’ve signed gun forward Rory Lobb from Fremantle. Lobb was the Dockers leading goal-kicker last season and is a massive coup for the Doggies.</p>
<p>Then at the back, they’ve picked up free agent Liam Jones. The key defender has looked very sharp in his first few practice games and should go a long way to shoring up the Bulldogs notoriously leaky defence. </p>
<p> </p>
<h2>Key Losses</h2>
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<p><em><strong>Louis Butler (Delisted)</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>Zaine Cordy (St Kilda)</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>Josh Dunkley (Brisbane Lions)</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>Lachie Hunter (Melbourne Demons)</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>Stefan Martin (Retired)</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>Charlie Parker (Delisted)</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>Josh Schache (Melbourne Demons)</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>Mitch Wallis (Delisted)</strong></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>First it giveth, then it taketh away. The additions of Lobb and Jones are massive pick ups for the Bulldogs, but on the flip side there have also been a few key departures in the West.</p>
<p>Both Josh Dunkley and Lachie Hunter have left for pastures new, leaving the Doggies once stacked midfield a little thin.</p>
<p>Dunkley in particular is a massive loss, as he was arguably their No.1 tackler last year and one of the chief energisers in the middle of the park.</p>
<p>Joining Dunkley and Hunter out the door are Josh Schache and Zaine Cordy who have joined Melbourne and St Kilda respectively.</p>
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<p> </p>
<h2>Player To Watch</h2>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Marcus Bontempelli</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Four-time All-Australian Marcus Bontempelli will once again lead the Bulldogs into battle this season.</p>
<p>Entering his fourth consecutive year as club captain, Bontempelli remains the out and out lynchpin of his side. </p>
<p>The champion on-baller will be hoping to supply the bullets from midfield for the tall timber that now occupy the Doggies forward line.</p>
<p>Without the experienced hand of Josh Dunkley by his side this season, Bontempelli may have to take on even more work in the middle of the park. However, as with most things, the Bulldogs skipper should take it in his stride with ease.</p>
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<h2>Western Bulldogs’ Season Prediction</h2>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><em>Predicted finish: </em><strong>10th</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>It’s hard to get a read on the Western Bulldogs ahead of the new season.</p>
<p>Realistically, this is a side that could go either way on the ladder. They could claw their way into the top four or crash out of the eight altogether.</p>
<p>The deciding factor will be how quickly and effectively their new recruits assimilate into the team.</p>
<p>In just a couple seasons, the Bulldogs have gone from having one of the shortest front lines to having one of the tallest.</p>
<p>This change in size will undoubtedly bring about a change in playing style, but is that a good thing?</p>
<p>The dual loss of Josh Dunkley and Lachie Hunter also isn’t ideal. All in all, there is going to be a dramatic shift in the way the Bulldogs go about their business in 2023.</p>
<p>While change like this is usually needed, it also usually takes more than a season to fully reap its rewards.</p>
<p>While they may suffer in the short term, sometimes a little bit of pain is worth a whole lot of gain down the line.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<h2>Western Bulldogs’ Best 22</h2>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>B: </strong>Ed Richards, Alex Keath, Ryan Gardner</p>
<p><strong>HB: </strong>Caleb Daniel, Liam Jones, Bailey Dale</p>
<p><strong>C: </strong>Bailey Smith, Tom Liberatore, Adam Treloar</p>
<p><strong>HF: </strong>Laitham Vandermeer, Aaron Naughton, Rhylee West</p>
<p><strong>F: </strong>Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Rory Lobb, Cody Weightman</p>
<p><strong>Foll: </strong>Tim English, Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae</p>
<p><strong>I/C: </strong>Sam Darcy, Bailey Williams, Taylor Duryea, Jason Johannisen</p>
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