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!
Rucks
Who is your first choice ruckman?
It’s a position that triggered plenty of debate amongst Bulldogs fans and commentators alike throughout the season. Would you like to see traditional big men like Will Minson and Tom Campbell? Or perhaps a more agile player like Jordan Roughead is your pick. One thing’s for sure, there’ll be no shortage of opinions, which is exactly what we want.
Will Minson had by his own admission, a ‘challenging’ season in 2015. He was selected as the first choice ruckman to take on dominant Adelaide Crow Sam Jacobs in the elimination final and played his most influential game of the season. While the big man struggled to find consistency in 2015, we did see glimpses of what he is capable of.
Similar to Minson, the big-bodied Campbell got his opportunity late in the season after an interrupted pre-season and impressed with 32 hit outs in round 16 against the Cats. If you’re choosing between your more traditional ruckmen, then it may be out of Campbell and the veteran Minson.
If versatility and value around the ground is more your style, then vice-captain Roughead may be your choice. Roughy was another who had their season interrupted by injury and may have played more on the ball if healthy. Naturally athletic and a strong mark, a fit Roughead is well suited to the role of the modern day ruckman.
Both Jack Redpath and Tom Boyd had spells in the middle and both showed glimpses of potential. Boyd’s size, speed and leap are all valuable in the ruck position, and he’ll undeniably spend some time there in 2016, but you may think he is more valuable as a tall forward.
202cm Luke Goetz was selected at pick 29 in the 2015 Rookie Draft and also adds some depth to the position.
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.
