Bulldogs’ entire side could all get a run

THE impending play, recover, play, repeat cycle for players is going to be a “significant challenge” according to Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge who expects to use most of his squad when the fixture gets compressed.

Beveridge moved to get ahead of the issue making four changes for the clash with Essendon, including the return of Hayden Crozier from suspension and giving a debut game to the club’s first draft pick last year, Cody Weightman.

The Bulldogs took their entire squad to their Gold Coast hub, which Beveridge said was now a “good decision”.

While not wanting to “forecast” the potential for breaks as short as four days to send the injury toll soaring, Beveridge said the Bulldogs would have to streamline their program to be ready for each match, and that could include player availability.

“I think it’s going to be a significant challenge,” Beveridge said. “I don’t want to forecast whether there’s going or be any fallout physically or an injury toll. We’ll definitely do things differently. We’ll basically be playing, recovering and then paying again.

“We’ll use up more of our squad. We made an easy decision but a good decision to make sure we brought all our playing group up.

“Already this week we have had the four changes, none forced by injury, but in a sense it’s reward for the players who are working hard behind the scenes for their opportunity.

“I have no doubt in the condensed format that more and more players will play in the 22 who haven’t been getting a game recently. The five-day breaks have been OK, but four-dayers will be a challenge I think.”

Beveridge said the Dogs would have to better adjust to the slippery conditions they will encounter in Queensland, conceding they handballed too much in last week’s 52-point loss to Carlton. He said the intent this week was to match the new “manic” approach of the 4-1 Bombers.