Senior coach Luke Beveridge says this weekend’s clash against Geelong will be “as challenging as they come”.
After knocking off the reigning premiers in an inspirational come-from-behind win last weekend, Beveridge said his troops are preparing for another battle against the ladder-leading Cats.
“The Cats have been extremely impressive. Everyone is talking about them being the new benchmark, which they obviously are at the top of the ladder,” Beveridge told media.
“There’s been some change in their game this year that has helped them prosper.
“They’re going to be a real handful for us all over the ground. I think they’ve been extremely even, have got some critical role-players especially through that midfield area that have allowed others to play well.
“The discipline in their game has allowed them to rise to the top.
“We made some good ground last week – it was an important victory for us – but this one is as challenging as they come.”
Beveridge drew similarities between the two sides, as he hopes for a more favourable result than their last meeting in round 12 this season.
“I think over the journey, both of us have had our challenges through that ruck area. We haven’t had personnel available, or were waiting for young players to emerge,” he said.
“That’s been a commonality between both teams I think.
“Their evenness has been their strength and power. Through all their lines, their ability to cover guys who haven’t been available (is impressive).
“They’ve been a bit more adventurous with the way they’ve moved their footy. That’s really helped them with their score aggregate – I think we’re third highest, Geelong is second and Brisbane is first.
“That’s one part of our game that has been encouraging.
“We’ve just got to improve on some of our defensive principles, and that will help us get to higher than we currently are.”
The Bulldogs and Cats will go head-to-head from 7.25pm AEST on Saturday night at GMHBA Stadium.
