A methodical approach to list management over the past two years, has the Bulldogs in good shape for the future according to Senior Coach Brendan McCartney.

“What we have is a fantastic core of really established, experienced players who understand AFL footy and understand the game,” McCartney told Social Club members at the annual Christmas event.

“Then we’ve got over 70% of the rest of the list under 25… which is a good place to be because it means that we’ve got a stockpile of people that are either… just on the cusp or ready to get going.

“Even behind that we have another three or four levels who will be ready to take positions and grab opportunities.”

The increased depth and versatility will no doubt cause a headache come team selection but will have the Bulldogs in an enviable position throughout the year.

“It (the list) has been put together over two years systematically with the picks we’ve had and some sensible trading,” he said.

McCartney also put his support behind the Bulldogs’ emerging tall stocks and said their ongoing development gives him confidence that they will have a bigger impact this year.

“Our young talls, in my heart, they are better than people outside our Club realise, they are so close to becoming good players it’s not funny,” he said.

“They just need a little bit of belief, a little bit of confidence and it is our job as a coaching group to train them up a little stronger and help them mentally deal with the game.

“They are on the cusp of becoming really good, young players our big boys.”