The Bulldogs were minor premiers last season but bowed out to the eventual champion Port in the semi final and then surprise packet West in the preliminary final.
The Red and White Vee has been the most consistent team for more than five years and there seems little to suggest it will not be in the top three at the season's end.
The team has gained experienced Paul Higginbottom from the Bloods, Mick Kellett from Broadview and Jess Skipworth from Central Whyalla but have lost captain Chris Heritage SGL life ,ember and midfield tyro Kevin Harris to retirement.
Perhaps the biggest inclusion will be 2005 grand final hero Dwayne Crombie.
The quick and expansive game the Bullies play will put most sides under serious examination and with the plethora of seriously talented juniors coming through the hardened and experienced players will have to lift a notch to retain their spots and this will be a good thing for the club.
Despite no premiership cigar, they had six players in the Northern Cities team, nine players in the PAFL Team of the Year and possess the SA Country Championships and SGL leading goal kicker of the year in the sublime Bradley Amos!
Watch for these names to appear in the best players column this year; Marcus Gill, Jess Skipworth, Nathan and Jack Kerin, Joe Fuschtei, Jordan Madigan, Danial Royals, Jack Magarey and Bryce Kelly.
The only negative I can see might be a lack of real height down the spine but given that most other teams will be a little short on the talls this shouldn't present too much of an issue.
Watch for a big year from Daniel Dohnt.
Prediction: top two.
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