Not much has gone to plan for Jackson Trengove and the Western Bulldogs this year, but a strong finish to the season has raised hopes of a more positive campaign for both parties in 2019.
The Bulldogs can make it three wins in a row when they face Carlton at Etihad Stadium on Sunday after morale-boosting victories over St Kilda and North Melbourne.
Trengove's form in the ruck after plugging holes in an injury-ravaged back six for much of the season has been a key factor in the turnaround.
"I've been able to get a bit of momentum with the midfield group which has been great," Trengove told AAP.
"But I knew coming in that I was probably going to be playing in a number of positions.
"Early in the year I thought I was going to play more ruck-forward but then I played down back due to injuries and it's only over the last three or four weeks that I've been able to go into the ruck a bit more.
"It's been a tough year but I feel like I've been able add something to the group and show my value to the team.
"It's been good to build a bit of a rapport with our midfielders so I want to keep doing that and launch into a really big year."
The Dogs were delighted to sign the versatile big man as a free agent at the end of last season after 153 games with Port Adelaide.
But he suffered a setback in just his second match in Luke Beveridge's side when he cracked a shoulder blade in a heavy loss to West Coast in round two.
He didn't return until round nine then endured a run of five losses that doomed the Dogs' season.
But their recent upswing in form has them bullish about next year.
"We feel like we can take a lot out of this last section of games," Trengove said.
"You want those young players to be able to feel those wins and realise that their hard work is going toward something.
"It feels like it's starting to come together.
"We want to re-create that winning culture at the football club."
The Dogs regained skipper Easton Wood from injury for the clash against the Blues, but lost Zaine Cordy to a fractured forehead suffered against the Kangaroos.
Carlton brought in Jacob Weitering, Aaron Mullett and Tom De Koning, who will make his AFL debut.
