Western Bulldogs great, Brad Johnson, has backed the direction of the Club, telling The Age he believes the Dogs’ future is going to be extremely bright.

In The Age interview, Johnson has enthusiastically supported the Clubs youth policy and said the Bulldogs coaching panel, led by Brendan McCartney, will make sure they take the team to the next level.

''The number of players who have debuted for the club over the past two years would give supporters a lot of confidence that the Bulldogs in a couple of years' time will be a strength again, no question.''

''Then the pressure will come, they'll get games and they'll need to improve and that's where the likes of [coach] Brendan McCartney and the rest of the coaching staff, which are very skilled down there, will make sure they will go to the next level,'' Johnson said.

Johnson, also pointing to Shaun Higgins and Charles Sutton Medallist Runner up, Ryan Griffen, as critical parts of the team going forward.

''Then you've got the excitement of Shaun Higgins and Ryan Griffen through the midfield that add a fair bit of spark, especially Griffy's game.

''His season this year was outstanding. So you'd expect them to grow and help develop these young guys coming through.''

The former Bulldogs Captain commended the Club on trading Brian Lake to Hawthorn, a deal that resulted in the Bulldogs securing the Hawks only first round draft pick in this years’ National Draft. 

The Dogs have three first round draft picks, including two inside the top ten, and an unprecedented six draft picks in the top 50.