Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge reflects on his team’s 15-point win over Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night …
On what the result means to the club …
“It was a brilliant win by our lads. It was high pressure. We had a couple of games against Hawthorn and North Melbourne, where we were right in the thick of it and, maybe, felt like we got a bit anxious ... Just to have that level of calmness and level of composure when they (the Crows) were really coming at us (tonight), it’s an outstanding win and a big night for our side.”
On kicking their highest score for the season …
“We definitely capitalised a hell of a lot more, so I’m really pleased with that. I’m pleased with the defensive side as well. They (the Crows) have got some big boys and we couldn’t quite bring it to ground at times. Just those critical contests up between the arcs where we weren’t able to get any delay on the ball and they got us out the back a few times.”
On being unable to stop Crow Josh Jenkins kicking eight goals …
“Jenkins is a big man and if you kick it to his advantage, it’s pretty hard to stop him. A lot of those balls were (to his advantage) and he’s playing really good footy, Josh, it’s a credit to him. I think eight goals is the most anyone (a player) has scored against us since I’ve been coaching. It was a big night for him.”
On the Bulldogs big men …
“Credit to ‘Roughy’ (Jordan Roughead) and Tommy Campbell. They’re going terrifically well. They’re giving us a good contest up forward. They may not be kicking a lot of goals, but they (create a) diversion, attract attention, and create opportunities for our smalls and some others.”
On Adelaide closing to within three points with less than two minutes to play …
“We managed to compose ourselves. Our players responded to some of the instructions late around the numbers game and we held them off. For Bailey Dale to pull that kick inside to ‘Bonti’ (Marcus Bontempelli) … they didn’t lose their nerve and that’s really important. It was a big occasion for us against just a quality side in Adelaide. We take a lot out of tonight.”
On the improved ball movement …
“We are asking our players to branch out and explore their attacking game a little bit more. Some of the guys who guys who have gone out of the side are known for that (attacking) part of their armoury. Although we conceded some goals, we did use the ball a hell of a lot better. We were bolder. We found teammates in open space and we challenged their defence.”
