It was another inconsistent season for the Western Bulldogs, who at times proved capable of matching the competition's elite.
A brilliant midfield mix and the skipper's superstar talent weren't enough to push the club over the line.
Letter Grade: C+
The Sporting News takes a look at the Western Bulldogs’ 2023 season.
Did the Western Bulldogs over/under achieve in 2023?
The Western Bulldogs were expected to make finals in 2023, and had embedded themselves in the top eight for much of the year.
However, a finals berth was not to be, with the side narrowly missing out on the AFL Finals by percentage.
With the top-end talent the Bulldogs possess, it is an opportunity missed to make their mark on the competition in September.
There’s no doubt that coach Luke Beveridge’s side has underachieved this season.
MORE: Luke Beveridge's Western Bulldogs future: Coach insists job isn't under threat
What worked?
The Western Bulldogs had Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore, and Tim English working tirelessly at the coalface.
All three are deserving of All-Australian honours, and form arguably the most impressive midfield in the competition.
Throw in accumulator Adam Treloar and it’s no surprise that the Bulldogs averaged the second-most clearances in the AFL, behind only Brisbane.
What went wrong?
Midfield depth can be a blessing and a curse.
Onballers Bailey Smith and Jack Macrae were under-utilised in the midfield this season, leaving them stranded at half forward or a wing.
Even Treloar had been trialled at half back, where he didn’t show the penetrating kicking expected of the position.
Smith looked especially lost, and with Hawthorn and Geelong interested in his talent, he may look elsewhere for a full-time midfield role.
MORE: New trade suitor emerges for Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith
Western Bulldogs best player
The Western Bulldogs possess some genuine A Graders, but it’s hard to go past the Brownlow Medal favourite, Bontempelli.
Captaining the side for the third straight year, the hulking ball-winner has shown his quality time and time again.
Averages of 7.5 tackles and 7.6 clearances per game prove Bontempelli is a two-way player, while his classy ball-use and goalkicking ability were regular highlights in a disappointing season.
Who should the Western Bulldogs target in AFL trade period?
Backline depth has been a consistent issue for the Bulldogs, and the retirement of Josh Bruce doesn’t help.
The club will need to repeat their shrewd pickup of key defender Liam Jones this year and should be on the lookout for the next defensive import.
Backmen Esava Ratugolea, Ben McKay, and Tom Barrass could be on the market, but the Western Bulldogs are yet to register their interest. Watch this space.
MORE: AFL Trade news & rumours latest
