The philosophy of Bulldogs Senior Coach Brendan McCartney is clear. Draft and recruit players that embody values and traits that the team wants to be known for.

McCartney today told SEN radio, “…what you want to be is what you should go and bring in.”

Since 2011, McCartney and the recruiting team have seen the list and incoming personnel evolve significantly, with 23 of the current 44 players joining the Club under their lead.

McCartney said while he is aware that his list is still developing, he has been more direct in his feedback to players this season, and that they have responded well.

“This year I have probably raised the stakes a little bit… but that happens and a couple have come out the other side really well too and have had fantastic years,” he said.

Almost half of the Bulldogs list is made up mostly of players just beginning their football career, with 19 currently in their third year or less on an AFL list and a further five in their fourth year.

“Patience and perspective is really important in our industry and we lose a lot of it and I do it myself,” McCartney said.

“I’ve got these young players with talent, I’ve got some older guys who are the heart and soul of the place and all they want to do is help these young kids.”

Outside of the two expansion clubs, the Bulldogs young stable under 23 have played more senior football than any other team as a collective – combining for 683 games.