Introducing new criteria to the recruiting process and adding emphasis to building a team that plays the “Bulldogs Way”, the head coach has also enlisted the help of some big names across the AFL to help instil his message.
One such addition is former Geelong captain – turned NFL punter Ben Graham, who will play a pivotal role both on and off the field in helping McCartney’s vision come to fruition. One of his first tasks is to establish the Bulldogs stand-alone VFL team for season 2014.
''The way they have changed their recruiting process and development matrix, it's now deemed the 'Bulldogs Way','' Graham said.
“[It's] the way we recruit and develop talent and that ties in with our own VFL team in 2014. It will help accelerate that process.''
The ability to streamline the message across both the senior and reserve team will greatly benefit the Club and allow the coaching staff to directly prepare the young pups to step into a role in the Bulldogs starting 22.
While development will be a major focus for Graham – including acting as a specialist kicking coach as part of his multi-faceted role – he refuses to lose sight of winning the four points each week in 2013.
“The NFL is win at all costs,'' he said. ''There is no development. The players that come out of college are ready-made players. Everything put around them is for them to succeed on the field.
''Here, it is a fine balance between the development side and winning.
''There are 18 teams in the competition. You want the chance to win next year. Just because you are in a perceived development side it doesn't mean you can't win it.
''Of course, you have to keep an eye on the future and develop players and set up winning football programs that are sustainable, but you still need to keep an eye on the prize right now.''
