FIRST-ROUND draft pick Christian Howard headlines a trio players not offered new contracts at the Western Bulldogs.

 

Taken with pick 15 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft, the 23-year-old played only 20 games in his six seasons at Whitten Oval, including just two matches in 2014.

 

A surprise first round selection, the Glenelg product was seen as a replacement for All Australian running defender Lindsay Gilbee, but the left footer never really got going after arriving at the club needing hip surgery.

 

Departing with Howard are 2013 recruits Brett Goodes and Tom Young.

 

Goodes, the younger brother of Sydney Swans Champion Adam Goodes, was a mature-aged recruit who played 15 games across two seasons with the club, while Young played 19 games for the Dogs after crossing over from Collingwood.

 

List Manager Jason McCartney thanked the trio for their contribution to club.

 

"Although difficult, these decisions are always made with the club’s future as the primary focus," said McCartney

"We thank the players sincerely for the contribution they've made to our football Club and wish them the best for the future."

The Dogs have now have four free spots on their list after the upgrading of rookie Lin Jong and the retirements of veteran Daniel Giansiracusa and injury-riddled Tom Williams.

The Dogs could yet have more personnel changes with restricted free agent Shaun Higgins, key forward Liam Jones and versatile defender Easton Wood all unsigned ahead of next month's trade and free agency periods.