Uncertainty around AFL list sizes for next season will mean the Western Bulldogs have a bit to work through over the coming weeks as they look to finalise their list for 2021.

Fifteen players remain out of contract, including three who played in the elimination final loss to St Kilda – Taylor Duryea, Ryan Gardner and Roarke Smith.

Former skipper Easton Wood is the only player to have signed a new deal since the end of the season, inking a two-year contract extension.

Bulldogs’ list boss Sam Power said it was a difficult period for those players left waiting.

“It adds a level of complexity to it,” Power said of the list size uncertainty.

“Mainly from an uncontracted player point of view, that the guys unfortunately have to sit out (of contract) for a little bit longer which is really difficult for them.

“Also (in terms of) pick swaps or bringing players in, not having that 100 per cent clarity does make it a bit difficult and very different to what’s been the case in previous years.”

The Bulldogs will look to bolster their list in this year’s trade period, according to Power.

Melbourne forward Mitch Hannan has indicated his desire to join the club, as the Bulldogs weigh up options to add to their existing group.

Adding another layer to that will be accumulating the right draft picks – and points – to ensure a bid can be matched for Next Generation Academy talent Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

“We’re always looking to improve our list and bring in players that we feel add to what we already have,” Power said. 

“Also this year we’ve got some points considerations with an Academy prospect, so that potentially impacts picks that we have and what we might be looking to do from a pick swap point of view.”