In a nutshell

When you don't make the finals as the reigning premier, it's fair to say your season has been a failure. Injuries once again hampered the Bulldogs, but the hunger that took them to the flag was far too inconsistent. Inefficiency in attack was also a major hindrance.

Have your say: Give your season verdict on the Bulldogs using the form at the bottom of this article.

What we said in the pre-season  

The brains trust at AFL Media had the Dogs finishing third behind GWS and Sydney. While that prediction was way off the mark, we did foresee the problems down back with the AFL's monster forwards. However, heralding the emergence of third-year midfielder Toby McLean was an inspired prediction.

What worked 

Integrating impressive youngsters McLean, Bailey Dale and Bailey Williams into the side on a more permanent basis gave the Dogs some much-needed class. First-year defender Lewis Young was excellent down back, and combined well with fellow emerging stopper Zaine Cordy. They also re-signed a host of important players.

What failed

Where do we start? The recruitment of Travis Cloke didn't work out as planned, while Stewart Crameri played just two games in a season ruined by form and injury. An All Australian in 2015, Jake Stringer had another season to forget. A hallmark of their game in 2016, clearances and defensive pressure was well down this season.

There weren't enough of these moments for Jake Stringer in 2017. Picture: AFL Photos

Overall rating: E

If the Bulldogs were a student, they'd nearly need to stay down and repeat the year.

The coach

After winning back-to-back AFLCA Coach of the Year titles and a premiership in his first two seasons, Luke Beveridge found the going a fair bit tougher this season. Contracted until the end of 2020, the 47-year-old has the time and ability to get the Dogs back in premiership contention.

The leaders 

Much-loved captain Robert Murphy did all he could to inspire his team but the club great will sadly retire without a premiership medal. Vice-captain Easton Wood and superstar Marcus Bontempelli loom as his replacements, with word out of Whitten Oval they could assume the role in a joint capacity.

MVP

Jack Macrae

While it would be easy to just give the gong to Bontempelli for another great season, that would be an injustice to ultra-consistent Jack Macrae. The hard-running midfielder played every game and averaged a team-high 27 disposals per game and was 15th in the league for tackles with 127.

Surprise packet

Bailey Dale

After playing just 14 games in his first two seasons at the club, the smooth-moving 21-year-old cemented his spot in the team with an impressive breakout campaign. From round six onwards, the highly-skilled playmaker played sixteen-straight games and booted 17 goals.

Get excited

Tim English

While he only played two games, the draftee gave the football world a taste of the star ruckman he is likely to become in the future. Standing at 205cm, the West Australian is just as capable at ground level as he is in the air. His deft tap work is complemented by sound decision making, excellent kicking skills and a calm head in traffic. The 20-year-old has already recommitted until 2020.

Disappointment

Tom Liberatore

When your coach questions whether you have prepared yourself in the manner required for an arduous AFL season, the gun playmaker’s output this year probably proved his mentor right. While the 25-year-old still laid plenty of tackles, the attacking side of his game was well down, and as a result he spent a month in the VFL. Has plenty to think about over the off-season.

Tom Liberatore has a big summer ahead of him. Picture: AFL Photos

Best win

Round two: Western Bulldogs 16.14 (110) def Sydney 13.9 (87) @ Etihad Stadium

In a widely fluctuating Grand Final re-match, the slow-starting reigning premier withstood a Lance Franklin-inspired Sydney late to prevail by 23 points. It was one of the few games the Dogs displayed their best football this season.

Low point

After winning their previous four games and with a top-eight position theirs for the taking, a Friday night blockbuster against arch rival Greater Western Sydney at Etihad Stadium in round 20 was an absolute disaster. The 48-point loss, in which the Dogs had a remarkable 31 more inside 50s, triggered a three-match losing streak that contributed to the reigning premiers missing the finals.

The big questions

Can Marcus Adams get some luck?

The hulking key defender has been impressive in his first two seasons at Whitten Oval, but has succumbed to serious foot injuries in each campaign. Very important player in the club's future.

Will Tom Boyd recapture his Grand Final form?

His contribution to the Dogs' fairytale finals series last year was perceived to be the making of the high-priced recruit, but indifferent form and battles with mental illness stymied his progress. However, the key forward is yet to turn 22.

Can the Dogs rediscover the hunger?

The manic approach that was a hallmark of their premiership success was glaringly absent from their flag defence, with contested ball and clearance numbers well down.

Season in a song

Shot Down In Flames – AC/DC

Premiership window

Wide open: The fire in the belly will burn again.

Who's done?

Retirements: Robert Murphy, Matthew Boyd.
Delistings: TBC
Unsigned free agents: None

How should they approach trade and draft period?

A classy playmaker in the mold of Giant Lachie Whitfield, a key defender like Jake Lever and a seasoned ruckman like Lion Stefan Martin would all be on the radar.

Early call for 2018

If they can recapture their hunger and belief, a youthful Dogs list has every chance of returning to premiership contention.

Bulldogs fans: what's your season verdict?

Share your views via the form below and we'll publish the best responses on Saturday, September 16. 

Having trouble on the app? Click here to open the form in a web view

Read more

• The Wash-Up: more season reviews