THURGOONA coach Brett Doswell concedes the growing exodus of players from the kennel is quickly becoming a major concern.
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Mark Haydon and Jake Bruce (RWW Giants), Josh Maher and Matt Fowler (retired), and Cody Mannagh (Lavington) are confirmed departures from the Bulldogs' premiership side.
Rory Muggivan joined the list over the weekend after signing with Yea in the AFL Outer East competition.
Lucas Mellier (RWW Giants) and Matt Hodoras (Boort) have also departed, robbing the reigning premiers of further depth.
Doswell said he would rely on several of the Bulldogs' reserves players who have been starved of senior opportunities to help cover the losses.
"It's far from ideal to lose so many key players over the off-season," Doswell said.
"Obviously it's going to hurt us.
"But it gives opportunities to younger guys who have been kept out of the side the last few years because of the quality players we have had in the team.
"Players who have been on the fringe like Braden McGregor, Ewan Hampton and Bailey McAlister.
"Rory is working down in Melbourne but has indicated he could return before the clearance deadline."
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There is speculation several other Bulldogs could also be on the move.
Triple premiership ruckman Jamarl O'Sullivan is yet to commit for this season.
O'Sullivan is on the recruiting radar of former club Henty who he co-coached to a flag in 2014.
The 2012 Azzi medallist is also close mates with Swampies coach Heath Ohlin.
Defender Charlie Williams is also keen to follow Mellier to the Giants but is contracted to the Bulldogs.
Midfielder Brent Rose is the only arrival at the kennel.
He played at Mansfield last season and won Corowa-Rutherglen's best and fairest in 2017.
Doswell said the chasing pack had certainly narrowed the gap on the Bulldogs who are striving for a fourth flag since 2016.
"I would like to think we can still remain a flag threat," he said.
"Obviously with most of last year's finalists recruiting well it's going to be a lot tighter at the top.
"We are going to be under a bit of pressure early in the season to remain competitive with those sides that have improved."
