2016 was a season Dogs fans couldn’t even dream about, as their beloved side rose from seventh position to go on one of the most incredible finals runs in football history and claim a drought-breaking premiership.
Fast forward to 2019 and things haven't gone anywhere near as well, with Luke Beveridge's men producing two under-performing seasons, with many key contributors from 2016 never able to find their best form.
With a new season comes renewed optimism for the Dogs, who with a list littered with premiership players, should at least be contending for the finals.
Led in the midfield by a transcendent talent in Marcus Bontempelli and ball magnets Jack Macrae and Lachie Hunter, there is reason to be somewhat optimistic about the Bulldogs in 2019.
The return of Tom Liberatore from an ACL injury will also help boost the Dogs' midfield stocks, as they hope to return to that hard and uncompromising brand of contested footy that won them multiple finals.
Throw in young talents such as Josh Dunkley, Bailey Smith, Aaron Naughton, Ed Richards and Toby McLean, it seems as if the Bulldogs have the backbone of a solid young list.
However, in a competition where elite talls are a must, the Bulldogs simply do not have any depth at their key posts, with Billy Gowers and Tom Boyd up forward and Tim English in the ruck simply not going to cut it.
Injuries to experienced players such as Tory Dickson, Liam Picken and Dale Morris also haven’t helped the resurgence of the Dogs, with Luke Beveridge forced to blood players not quite ready for senior football.
So, will we finally see a resemblance of the 2016 Dogs? Or will the decline continue in 2019?
OUR BEST 22 - ROUND 1
NOTABLE OMISSIONS: Tom Boyd (back), Dale Morris (knee), Jason Johannisen (ankle), Bailey Dale (ankle), Lin Jong (hamstring), Liam Picken (concussion)
MVP
Despite the freakish ball winning ability of Jack Macrae, it is clear that 23-year-old smooth mover Marcus Bontempelli is the most valuable player to the Western Bulldogs.
Since his debut back in 2014 it has been clear that Bontempelli belongs on the big stage as he constantly produced pieces of magic whether it be through his athleticism or silky skills.
Five seasons later, the 'Bont' has turned into a dual best and fairest, All-Australian and premiership player, who at his best can go toe-to-toe with all the game's biggest names.
With his side in a somewhat precarious position coming into the 2019 season, expect Bontempelli to take more ownership of this side and enter the upper echelon of midfielders.
Breakout
A premiership player in his first year, half-forward Josh Dunkley has been one of few positives for the Western Bulldogs since their 2016 triumph.
A highly skilled player with the ability to find his own ball and damage opposition sides up forward, Dunkley will be looking to take the leap in his fourth season from a regular contributor to standout within the ranks at the Bulldogs.
With a solid JLT under his belt where he collected 18 and 29 disposals in the Bulldogs respective hit-outs against Gold Coast and St Kilda, it looks as if Luke Beveridge will be moving the talented 22-year-old into more of a midfield role this season.
As the Bulldogs look to rise up the ladder, the form of Dunkley will be critical if they are to defy the odds and return to the finals.
Under the Pump
After making a name for himself as one of the competition's most damaging players throughout the 2016 finals series, Norm Smith medallist Jason Johannisen now finds himself under intense pressure following two subpar seasons.
At his best Johannisen is a pleasure to watch, with his blistering pace and precise skills a major weapon for the high-paced Dogs.
However, since reaching the heights of a best on ground performance on Grand Final day, it has been nothing but downhill as hard tags and inconsistency have seen the flamboyant half-back flanker devoid of confidence.
Once considered of an All-Australian calibre, the time is now for Johannisen to rediscover his best form and help catapult the Western Bulldogs out of this two-year slump.
Early Predictions...
1. Marcus Bontempelli has a career-best year to finish in the top five for the Brownlow Medal
2. Sam Lloyd thrives at his new home and kicks 30+ goals in a weak Bulldogs forward line
3. The Bulldogs underperform for the third season in a row and slip into the bottom four
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