Expert commentator Terry Wallace believes the Western Bulldogs are primed to build on their finals appearance next season, if they are successful in their pursuits during the AFL Trade Period. 

The Bulldogs are targeting St Kilda forward Josh Bruce and Adelaide Crows defender Alex Keath to boost their key position stocks.

Wallace, the former Bulldogs player and coach, says those two additions would complement the existing strengths of the list. 

“It’s now all about their key positions, which we’ve sensed for quite some time,” Wallace told Telstra AFL Trade Radio.

“I think that they look really good (structurally), and it comes down to these key position players that they’re bringing it and what it means.

“With an outstanding midfield and outside running brigade, and an excellent age demographic – and I think good depth – the Bulldogs should be on the march. 

“I’m expecting the Dogs to play finals and continue to improve and make ground.” 

Wallace said the Bulldogs’ list has come together nicely, after missing the finals in 2017 and 2018. 

Emerging big men Tim English and Aaron Naughton have shown promise, while star trio Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae and Josh Dunkley led a dominant midfield group in 2019. 

“Last year I thought there was some uncertainty in the Bulldogs’ direction,” Wallace said. 

“While there’s still some holes in their list, it was a huge effort to jump back inside the top eight and improve by four wins (in 2019).

“The excitement for Dogs fans is that finally they have some high-end talent in their big blokes. 

“The two WA boys, in English and Naughton, look like stars for the future – and more importantly, have committed to the Club that gave them their start. 

“Much of the jigsaw is falling into place and with the brilliance through the middle and running brigade on the outside that other clubs absolutely envy, they just need to pick wisely to get another couple of key position talents which obviously is what’s going on at the moment.”