Cameron Ciraldo orchestrated a stunning revival during his second term in charge of Canterbury to make the Bulldogs one of the feel-good stories of the season.

After an indifferent start, the Dogs clicked in the second half of the campaign to surge up the ladder and spark jubilant scenes around Belmore as they qualified for the finals for the first time in eight years.

The Bulldogs only narrowly missed out on a top-four spot while boasting one of the best defensive records in the league but then went on to experience a heartbreaking late loss to Manly in their elimination final.

Yet despite the disappointing end to 2024, Ciraldo and the Dogs will now be full of optimism for what’s ahead.

Stephen Crichton arrived from the foot of the mountains as a premiership winner with plenty of pedigree but went on to boost his profile within the game as he led the Dogs back to the finals.

The newly-appointed captain was brilliant in the centres as he ascended to be the undisputed best player in his position.

The Samoan international will need to replicate this form once again in 2025, although he will be without one of his partners in crime with Josh Addo-Carr let go by the club.

The Dogs have added a couple of handy additions in Sitili Tupouniua and Tom Amone as they lean into a quick and mobile pack getting the job done through the middle once again.

Canterbury predicted team list for Round 1

1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Matt Burton
7. Toby Sexton
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Sam Hughes
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Kurt Mann

14. Jaeman Salmon
15. Josh Curran
16. Sitili Tupouniua
17. Tom Amone

Bulldogs latest team news ahead of Round 1

Stephen Crichton was in the frame to start at fullback in 2024 before an injury in the off-season meant he remained in the centres.