New Golden Square coach Christian Carter is confident the Bulldogs will still have one of the best midfield groups in the BFNL in 2021.
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In August, 2019 Michelsen Medal winner Adam Baird left the Bulldogs to join older brother Travis at HDFNL club Mt Pleasant.
The Bulldogs' boom recruit for 2020 - former Carlton midfielder Jaryd Cachia - won't return to Wade Street for 2021 after signing with VAFA club St Kevin's.
"With the COVID-19 stuff going on, Jaryd was 50-50 whether he was going to come back and play here,'' Carter said of Melbourne-based Cachia.
"We would have loved to see him play here because he was a very talented player, but that's the way it goes.
"(In terms of salary cap and player points) losing Skinny (Baird) and Jaryd gives us an opportunity to go after a couple of good ones and we're in talks at the moment with some players.
"With the way things are looking in Melbourne there might be a few players filtering back. The (metro) leagues have had their salary cap cut to $100,000 and there's uncertainty around what the VFL is going to look like next year, so it's a matter of identifying a few players."
Carter said the club was keen to develop some of its rising young talent in a midfield group that will be led by skipper Jack Geary, Derrick Filo Medal winner Jake Thrum and Liam Barrett.
Square's midfield rotation could also include former Shepparton Bears duo Joel Brett and Liam Duguid.
The classy duo signed with the Bulldogs for the 2020 season, but are yet to re-sign for 2021.
"I've spoken to Joel and Liam and they have to work out what they're doing with uni first,'' Carter said.
"They've indicated to me they haven't made their mind up yet."
Under current restrictions, clubs can only train in small groups of 10 with no contact.
Carter was hopeful the Bulldogs might have more flexibility by the time they kick-off pre-season training.
"We're looking to start towards the end of November,'' Carter said.
"Hopefully, we're able to work in groups of at least 20 by then, maybe even a group of 50.
"It would be nice to give the boys a date to look forward to.
"Everyone seems keen to get back into it."
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