The Bulldogs brought in a plethora of talent prior to the 2021 season's kick-off.
Origin fullback Corey Allen rounded off a brilliant recruitment drive that saw them add halfback Kyle Flanagan, firebrand prop Jack Hetherington, starting second-rower Corey Waddell and Origin winger Nick Cotric.
Unfortunately the Dogs remain in 16th place after 10 rounds, although they do have a trio of enticing recruits coming next year in Matt Burton, Brent Naden and Josh Addo-Carr.
That said, they have 15 players off-contract and I'd expect more than a few will be tapped on the shoulder, meaning the Dogs have plenty of spots to work with.
Below are the five players I believe the Bulldogs should target for 2021.
For this we have gone with a reality based list. i.e. they won't bring Cam Smith out of retirement.
Brandon Smith should be their number one target however isn't off-contract so isn't considered.
SEE ALSO: Five players the Brisbane Broncos should target
2. Dale Finucane
The Storm veteran should be the Dogs' immediate priority.
With all due respect to the currents Dogs pack, I can't remember many occasions when they won the middle despite having English star Luke Thompson and the firebrand Jack Hetherington.
Unfortunately Hetherington and Thompson have brought the wrong kind off aggression and have seen (Thompson) or will see (Hetherington) significant time on the sidelines.
The Origin middle man would immediately add experience and the right kind of aggression Belmore is craving.
At 29-year's of age, Finucane is probably looking for a big money deal as he hits his 30's. The Dogs need to pony up to make this happen as their current pack just hasn't been able to lead the way despite some big names.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…doggies should have gone super hard at Nathan Brown. Brown offers all those skills the 5 players listed have and would not have cost them that much