The first-season Bulldogs mentor is at the helm of one of the youngest sides in the competition after an off-season laced with key departures.

The exodus — seven members of the 2014 grand final side left — paved the way for the next crop of Bulldogs to make their mark at senior level.

But the progress has been slow. Panmure is winless after three matches and faces reigning premier Merrivale in a grand final rematch at Panmure tomorrow.

“We haven’t gone backwards (since round one), that’s for sure, they’re still learning,” Haynes said of the Bulldogs’ youthful additions.

“The biggest thing is actually implementing what we’re trying to do. It’s going to take a bit longer than we thought, we’re only going to get better.

“In 10 rounds’ time they’ll be a lot better side. We had 10 or 11 kids under 20 on the weekend. The majority of them haven’t had a lot of senior experience.”

Haynes highlighted Jackson Lowe, Jackson Salmon, Lachlan Moir and Louis Kew as among the next generation making the most of their opportunities.

The four have played every match this season and shown glimpses of their potential. But consistency remains a sought-after goal.

“The biggest thing with those kids is consistency. When you’re out of the game, you’ve got to work hard to get back in the game,” Haynes said.

“You’ve got to bridge the gap between their good and bad, and make sure they’re still working when they haven’t got the ball and aren’t having an impact.”

Tim Condon and Tom White return to the Bulldogs’ side tomorrow, although Haynes remains sidelined with a hamstring complaint.

Joe Woonton and Koroit recruit Tim Carter are the big inclusions for the Tigers. Peter Makarona will miss while Sean Barnes and Claye Cassidy are omitted.