Point Cook is hoping to close the gap in the Western Region Football League division 1 this season.
The Bulldogs won just one match in 2021 and were on the bottom of the ladder when the season ended prematurely due to COVID-19.
While they finished bottom, there was no relegation and promotion, meaning they have another shot at the top division.
Bulldogs coach Brett Jacobs said the club felt like it belonged in division 1.
“It was tricky because of Covid there were so many impact injuries and I don’t feel like we’ve had a good crack at it.
“The ladder says we were the bottom team and we probably were. We had a little bit of inexperience, but we see ourselves as a long term division 1 club with the right foundations and strong junior base in place.
“It’s hard coming up and being competitive straight away.”
The Bulldogs have looked to add some experience in their recruiting. The club has put in clearances for four players with either AFL or Victorian Football League experience.
Derek Eggmolesse-Smith and Ryan Pendlebury are the two big ins for the Bulldogs.
Eggmolesse-Smith comes straight from Richmond’s AFL list. He will combine his commitments with the Bulldogs with playing VFL with Collingwood.
Jacobs said they would likely use Eggmolesse-Smith in a number of positions to make the most of his skills.
He is joined at the Bulldogs by Ryan Pendlebury.
Pendlebury was with Werribee’s VFL side last season.
Premiership Western Bulldogs player Clay Smith has signed on as an assistant coach, while a clearance has been lodged for another former Western Bulldogs player, Brodie Miles.
Son of former coach Ian Denny, Luke Denny, has also joined the club.
Jacobs said Denny, who comes across from Taylors Lakes, fits the profile the club was aiming for.
“We have a lot of talented players coming through,” he said. “The under-18s are strong.
“There’s some good kids coming through, we just need some experienced guys to guide them and steer the ship.
“Some of the young guys are two to three years in seniors now and it’s showing on the track.”
Jacobs said they were keen to sign a couple more players, but the pandemic meant some players had changed priorities.
“We would like a couple more,” he said.
“We’ve got a bit of ground to make up. People aren’t that keen to play and train. Covid has had an impact and they would rather spend time with their partners and families.
“We’re struggling to get them to training.”
The Bulldogs will kick off their season on April 2 against Werribee Districts.
