Scheduled to play his 350th game in next year's AFL opening round, 'Johnno' is desperate for Akermanis, 32, and Eagleton, 30, to play on.

Several other players are also expected to follow in the inspirational captain's footsteps.

The Bulldogs are confident they'll be right in the mix in the fight for the premiership in 2010 after heart-breaking near misses in the past two years.

As well as being important players, Akermanis and Eagleton are immensely popular characters.

Coach Rodney Eade is adamant the 'super vets' - who have played 316 and 161 AFL games respectively - have important roles to play next year.

Meanwhile, injury-plagued speedster Malcolm Lynch has been delisted. Lynch impressed in his AFL debut at age 19 as the Bulldogs beat Port Adelaide at TIO Stadium in Darwin in 2007.

But he could manage just one more senior appearance as he battled a succession of hamstring injuries. The 21-year-old Lynch was the 66th pick at the 2006 AFL national draft.

Also delisted was Guy O'Keefe, who was desperately unlucky not to make his AFL debut for the Bulldogs this year after consistently starring for VFL affiliate Williamstown.

The 19-year-old was the 63rd pick in the 2007 AFL national draft.

The latest departures bring the total to five with Paul O'Shea, Cameron Wight and Wayde Skipper also being farewelled. Rookie delistings are John Shaw, Henry White and Chris Ogle.

Jamason Daniels remains on the rookie list with run-with specialist Liam Picken and tall backman James Mulligan being promoted to the senior list.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs will do battle with Brisbane at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Sunday, February 14 in the first round of the AFL's preseason NAB Cup.

It will be intriguing to see if both sides could unveil high profile signings Barry Hall (Bulldogs) and Brendan Fevola (Lions).