Old Dog to have new trick or two up sleeve
THE famous themes adopted by Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge might be in for a twist as his side looks to claim a second premiership in six seasons on Saturday.
Beveridge is known for his unique motivational tactics and has often used the farcical rules the Dogs have had to adhere to in the past month to spur on his players.
But with the squad out of quarantine, senior assistant Steven King said it might be a little simpler this week.
“I think it just knowing that it is the grand final and that this is it,” King said. “I am sure Bevo will come up with something and the theme that we have had is just rolling with what has been thrown at us by different state governments.
“That has just organically happened because it has been so farcical at times and it has felt like each state has tried to bring us down and not enable us to perform or play at the level we want to.
“The prelim is life-and-death but the grand final is a different beast again because you know either way it is going to be the best day or the worst day of your life.
“But you also just have to enjoy the build-up and our group has been looking forward to this opportunity so we are rapt we are here and once it comes we will be primed.”
A knee injury to forward Josh Bruce and a drop in form led to the Bulldogs slipping out of the top four in the last round of the season. If forced them on the road for what has been a whirlwind month.
Far from complaining, King said the players had taken everything on the chin and taught the coaches a thing or two about resilience.
“Every game has been sudden death so you are just absorbed in preparing the players to get out there and improve,” he said. “Our form towards the back end of the last three or four weeks wasn’t great so we have just been trying to rediscover our best.
“Each week we have been doing a slightly better version and come game day the hardest thing has been that every week you have your bags packed on the bus ready to go home in case the result doesn’t go your way.
“So in a way it keeps you in the moment. You don’t look too far ahead and I admire our playing group for how resilient they have been.
“If anything, the players have probably taught us older people around the club to roll with the punches.”