BulldogsB turn up heat in defence
WESTERN Bulldogs’ superstar midfield brigade is on notice to improve its defensive game in the wake of Josh Dunkley’s departure.
The Dogs have one of the most talented engine rooms in the competition but will overhaul the way they defend the opposition to help rejoin the premiership contenders in the top-four next season.
It looms as a massive year for coach Luke Beveridge, whose contract expires at the end of 2023.
The premiership coach will be in high demand if the Dogs have any doubts about extending him.
The Dogs’ top priority will be turning up the defensive heat through the middle after bombing out in the elimination final.
But the defensive challenge was made more difficult on Wednesday night when the club lost Dunkley – the club’s best defensive midfielder – to Brisbane Lions.
Dunkley, who was brought to the Lions for the equivalent of pick five based on this year’s ladder positions, was rated the No.1 pressure player of all midfielder-forwards in the game, according to Champion Data.
List manager Sam Power said the club would “wait and see” whether the loss of Dunkley and Lachie Hunter for two key position players in Liam Jones and Rory Lobb helps the coaching staff balance the side.
But Power said the midfield group would have to improve their defensive actions to cover Dunkley, 25, in particular.
“Josh really balances our midfield with his defensive side, and how hard he is, and how consistent he is,” Power said. “There will have to be some sort of shift from (our) guys ... to cover Josh’s loss because he is a super player.”