Footage no great drama for Bevo
WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge was “disappointed” footage that went viral of his team’s preliminary final celebrations was made public.
But the premiership winner was adamant the changeroom disco was more than worthy to recognise a “significant memory on our timeline” after his players advanced to the grand final.
The footy world reacted positively to video of the players enjoying their thrashing of Port Adelaide last weekend, dancing and singing in a room at Adelaide Oval, some with beers in hand.
Beveridge said his players, who have had to traverse the country with finals wins in Launceston, Brisbane and then Adelaide to get to the decider, had earned the right to celebrate.
He said the leadership at the club was mature enough to recognise how important it was.
“I feel like, led by Marcus (Bontempelli), multiple lieutenants and players displaying leadership in our club, we are in a mature-enough place to be able to do these sorts of things,” Beveridge said on Thursday of the incident at the Adelaide Oval.
“There’s a lot at stake for everyone, absolutely.
“But it’s fairly easy to condone that that’s going to be OK, let’s have a mid-strength beer I might add, it’s OK to do that and celebrate together.
“One or two beers after the game is not going to affect things too much.
“It’s where we’ve got to, not that we haven’t done it in the past, and it is an important part of our environment and makeup and an aspect of what we do that means our players enjoy playing for our footy club.”
A staff member from the Bulldogs was responsible for the video, shot on a phone, being released.
Beveridge said it hadn’t caused any “undue problems”, but he wouldn’t want it to happen again.
“I’m not upset, but we’re disappointed,” he said.
“Phones shouldn’t be used to record our players in the dressing room and definitely shouldn’t be sent to anyone. Has it caused any untold problems? No.
“I’m OK with people knowing that when we achieve a little milestone, when we create a significant memory on our timeline, that we celebrate it.
“The game can’t be too clinical, we’ve got make sure we enjoy the times together and that helps you for your next challenge.”
The Bulldogs remain in quarantine in Perth and are only able to exit their hotel for training.
They will be released on Sunday, ahead of the grand final showdown with Melbourne.