“This ain’t basketball”: JJ’s concerns for top-heavy Dogs list

With Zak Butters nominating the Western Bulldogs as his preferred trade destination, Josh Jenkins is unsure if the club has enough talent below its marquee players to be a contender in 2027.

Saturday morning saw the announcement that many Bulldogs fans had been hoping for, with the club confirming that the three-time All-Australian had nominated them as his club of choice despite strong offers from Geelong and also Richmond.

Should the move go ahead, it will see the Port Adelaide superstar join Marcus Bontempelli and Ed Richards to form one of the best midfield units in the competition.

But whilst their midfield group will be the envy of opposition fans, Jenkins expressed concerns for other aspects of the Doggies' list.  

“This ain’t basketball,” Jenkins said on SEN’s Crunch Time.

“If you want to send out five against 23, good luck to you.

“Every team is going to take Zak Butters; that's why Richmond were keen on him, because he's a superstar and if you can get your hands on him, you absolutely get your hands on him.

“But I still think the Dogs have got to build from the bottom up.

“The top end, no problemo, absolutely magic. When you see them line up next year in Round 1 and it's Butters, Richards and Bontempelli walking to the centre bounce, you are going to be terrified.

“But who's at half-back? Who's at half-forward? Who's in the back pocket? Who's playing key back? Who's playing in the ruck?

“All those parts are going to be important as well.”

As a restricted free agent, the Power has the ability to match the offer the Bulldogs have put to 26-year-old Butters, which would force the club to trade for him.

The Dogs currently have Picks 12, 30 and 48 in this year’s draft alongside a future first, second, third and fourth-round pick.