WE NEED TO AVOID LAIR OF THE DOG

WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has urged his players to “hold” the emotion set to spill out on grand final day as they wait two weeks for their premiership D-day against Melbourne.

In an emotional post-match address to his men, in the wake of his team’s crushing defeat of Port Adelaide last Saturday night, Beveridge was effusive in his praise but urged his players to keep their emotions in check with two weeks until they get to play Melbourne.

“The emotions are going to spill out in two weeks’ time. Hold it in until then, and we give our all then, but let’s enjoy it,” Beveridge said.

The coach lauded his players for the spirit they had embodied as they defeated Essendon, Brisbane and the Power in three do-or-die finals.

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge (main, right) praised his players, including Bailey Smith and Easton Wood (inset) but told them to keep their emotions in check until the grand final. Picture: Michael Klein