Is Roughy a ruckman or a tall defender? Would you like to see Dahl in the forward line, or in the middle? And what about the new guys? Is there any room for Matt Suckling in the back six or would you like to see him on a wing?
Now YOU can put yourself in the shoes of Luke Beveridge and the match committee.
Over the next six days, westernbulldogs.com.au will do a deep dive on our list, breaking it down line by line before we will give you the opportunity for you to gaze into your crystal ball and tell us who you think will make up the selected side in round one.
Let the debate begin!
Small-Med Forwards
The Bulldogs kicked 14.1 goals per game in 2015, which placed them fourth in the league, up from 11.7 and 13th place in 2014 which means there is no shortage of potential firepower amongst the 2016 Dogs.
But if you’re picking from a fully fit list for a sudden death final, who’s in and who’s out?
With his combination of power and pace, Jake Stringer can play tall or small, as evidenced by his explosive cameos in the midfield during season 2015. Although ‘The Package’ booted 56 goals last season, he also finished 19th in the league for goal assists, highlighting his value close to goal. The toughest choice here may be whether you take him as a tall or a small.
While Stringer was the name on everyone’s lips, Tory Dickson may have had one of the most unheralded seasons in recent memory. The 28-year-old booted 50 goals, including five in the elimination final against Adelaide. Dicko may also be a lock.
Stewart Crameri struggled with inconsistency throughout the season due to injury but still managed to kick 32 goals, just shy of his 2014 mark of 37. Where you select him may depend on who are your tall forwards, because Crameri’s big body saw him named in a key forward post multiple times throughout 2015.
From here it’s a matter of sifting through the little guys, and we have plenty of them. Who makes up your mosquito fleet? Luke Dahlhaus has spent the majority of his career as a small forward but played more of a midfield role in 2015. We know he loves a goal and would be a fine choice.
Similarly, Lachie Hunter, Mitch Honeychurch, Bailey Dale all played dual roles throughout the season, and all are capable of going forward and making a difference.
Caleb Daniel has value as someone who can impact a game offensively, as shown against the Blues in round 14, and his ninth place finish among rising stars for goal assists shows that he has high level football smarts inside the forward 50.
The X-factors here may be Nathan Hrovat and Toby McLean. Both can be electric around goal and have loads of potential.
Cast your vote for the one player you want to fill each position and the players with the most votes will start in that role. The top four players not selected will fill out the interchange.
