Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says an even spread of contributors on Saturday will go a long way in challenging Fremantle.
Having had the luxury of already playing them earlier this season – in Round 7 at Optus Stadium – Beveridge said relying less on skipper Marcus Bontempelli and more on a number of individuals should hold them in good stead.
“He was central to us achieving a winning game that day (against Collingwood), but with us it’s about spreading the load and the depth of contribution...we’re going nowhere if we keep relying on the skipper,” Beveridge told media on Friday morning.
“He’s having a really strong year and has had some extraordinary performances over his journey, but we need an even spread of contributors to beat Fremantle.
“That’s probably their greatest strength – their work ethic. They are systematic, and some of the things they do (makes them) a difficult team to beat.
“We need to rely on everyone, and Marcus will just be one of the 23.”
Beveridge said the returns of Cody Weightman (elbow) and Ed Richards (concussion) will help with that load.
“When Cody went out of the team, he was I think our highest scoring forward, so we knew at that point we were going to need to do it a bit of a different way,” he said.
“I think by and large we’ve explored that and done okay with it, but (Cody) is a special player and it’s been a pretty decent layoff for him.
“We’ll have to look after him a little bit – we hope he can strike some form pretty quickly, so he’s a boost for us.
“Richo was just starting to get some momentum in the new role, and even in the Sydney game where he (went) out, they actually changed their tagging player to go to him because of the influence Richo was having, which is a great sign.
“He’s been able to train even though he hasn’t been able to play, so he shouldn’t miss a beat I don’t think.”
The coach also called out Rhylee West ahead of his milestone 50th game.
“Westy’s been able to string games together and has been an important part of our forward-line,” Beveridge said.
“He pinch hits in the midfield too, and has still got a way to go as a smaller forward but you see his highlights and his strengths, and just know he’s going to become more and more consistent as his journey goes on.”
The Bulldogs will host Fremantle from 1.45pm tomorrow at Marvel Stadium.
