Canterbury great Graeme Hughes warns 2019 is make or break for Kieran Foran as the Dogs playmaker attempts to emerge from a three-year injury-affected lull.
Hughes says Foran is in the last chance saloon after three seasons marked by off-field issues and being restricted to just 38 games in that time.
Carrying a reported $1.2 million price tag, Foran failed to make an impact in his first season at Belmore which was ended by a toe injury.
In his prime Foran was a fearless ball-runner who was adept at putting the defensive line in two minds.
But after being marred by back, shoulder and hamstring injuries in recent years, some have questioned his future in the game.
"Kieran Foran will be one of the most watched players in 2019," Hughes said at the Jack Newton Celebrity Classic golf tournament.
"He's drawn that attention to himself in many respects.
"I haven't met him a lot. But I do expect that after having the year out, the expectation on him from the fans will be huge.
"His career is up for grabs in 2019. If there's going to be contracts or a career anywhere for him in the game, he has to show people in 2019 that he's got something a bit special to offer."
Foran is contracted to the Bulldogs until the end of 2020 and coach Dean Pay will need him to fire if his rebuild is to be successful.
Josh and Brett Morris, Aaron Woods and Moses Mbye have all been moved on over the last 12 months as a result of the club's salary cap squeeze.
Hughes said Pay and the Dogs board, which swept to power in February, deserve to be given another two to three years to get the "family club" back on track.
"If they make anywhere from eighth to 10th it will be more than a pass mark," Hughes said.
"The previous administration has made a mess of the club and people have got to give the new administration time, you've got to be patient because of what happened last year.
"I think if you're going to really rate the Bulldogs, you rate them on 2020 and 2021."
