DOGS WILL BE THREAT IF THEY GET DEFENCE RIGHT

WHAT WILL CHANGE?

IT is clear the Western Bulldogs had to go back to the drawing board on their defensive system, which was too easily picked apart last year. But the new plan is in – and the Dogs are looking to get more numbers around the stoppage and play the congested side of the ground more. They were cut apart on transition and out of the clearance last year, but even without Josh Dunkley, they want to provide more protection and coverage for their back half.

WHERE DOES DARCY PLAY?

THE No.2 pick has trained largely in defence over summer but a late swing into the forward line in the preseason has exceeded all expectations. Darcy looks as if he is on track to become one of the best talls in the game. But the Dogs already have Aaron Naughton, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Rory Lobb after trading him in over summer, potentially making it a fourOthers pronged land of the Giants’ big-man attack. For more balance, expect him to feature in the back half with Ryan Gardner (elbow) out early.

KICKING GOALS

WE know about “Pagan’s Paddock” but what about “Bevo’s Backyard”? Key forward Naughton can be unstoppable in the air, and over the preseason, the Dogs’ midfielders have at times targeted him over the back of the marking contests, where Naughton can run on to it charging back with the flight. If he can stay injury-free, Naughton will kick 60plus goals alongside Lobb, UgleHagan and Darcy.

MIDFIELD BALANCE

JACK Macrae has been one of the league’s top ballwinners but there is a chance he could spend more time at half-forward this season. Macrae and Tom Liberatore are stars, but can the Dogs find a way to be more dynamic in the engine room? Caleb Daniel has moved in there to help replace Dunkley’s defensive nous. Marcus Bontempelli struggled with an ankle injury more than he let on, but this year he looks to have returned to his best.