ARRIVALS: Marcus Bontempelli, Stewart Crameri, Sam Darley, Matthew Fuller, Mitch Honeychurch
DEPARTURES: Dylan Addison, Daniel Cross, Nick Lower, Lukas Markovic, Patrick Veszpremi
Click here for more 2014 season previews
BEST 22
MEDICAL ROOM
Check out the AFL's injury list
PASS MARK FOR 2014: Many believe the Dogs can win at least as many games as last year (eight) and still improve by eradicating the thrashings they suffered early in the season. A favourable draw and the ongoing development of their array of talented youngsters should see the Dogs record 10 wins.
NEEDS A BIG YEAR: Liam Jones finished third in the AFL for contested marks in 2011 but since then the 23-year-old's career has stagnated and he's spent time in the VFL. Jones worked hard on his fitness over the summer and Stewart Crameri's arrival as the number one forward should free him up.
FIRST FIVE GAMES: West Coast (PS), North Mebourne (ES), Richmond (ES), Greater Western Sydney (SO), Carlton (ES)
Click here to see the Western Bulldogs 2014 fixture
TOUGHEST RUN: The first four games loom large with assignments against West Coast in Perth, North Melbourne and Richmond at Etihad and then a rising Giants outfit in Canberra.
DREAM SCENARIO: Liam Jones becomes the certified star power forward the club has craved since Barry Hall and the club's collection of talented youngsters continue their highly promising development.
WORST NIGHTMARE: With Dale Morris in the twilight of his impressive career, the Dogs could ill afford to have emerging key defenders Jordan Roughead and Michael Talia not come on as expected.
PRESSURE RATING ON THE COACH: 6/10. The Dogs have shown gradual improvement in each of Brendan McCartney's three seasons at the club and that resulted in a contract extension until the end of 2016.
