Senior coach Luke Beveridge takes a look at some of the key talking points ahead of the Bulldogs’ clash with the Brisbane Lions in Ballarat on Saturday afternoon.
The Richmond win…
I think it’s validation that if we play a consistent four quarters, it can look pretty good.
It confirms the players’ belief in themselves, but it also reinforces the need to be on for longer periods.
Whether it’s Richmond or Brisbane this week, understanding that – we keep saying that it is the old cliché – anyone can pull you apart in this even competition, and we’ve felt that.
It is some validation, but it also puts us on notice that that’s what we need to do to get the best result possible.
Looking ahead…
We’ve got to keep looking forward.
If the rear vision mirror is too prevalent, then it becomes a bit overwhelming, that emotion.
We’re always on a journey but as this thing changes and evolves from week to week and our team grows more and more aware of their needs as far as contributing for each other, we believe we’ll become better and better.
To back up a pretty good performance last week is our mandate this week.
The opposition…
They’ve been impressive in their five wins, and they’ve been consistent for a little while now.
Without winning as many games last year, we knew they were ultra-competitive.
A year on, it seems to be coming together so they’ll come down here with a head of steam and a bit of confidence, so we’re aware of that.
Aaron Naughton…
All you do is remind Aaron of the important things that enabled him to play well.
He’s grateful for his teammates to be able to play the brand of footy that we did.
The core of his existence as an AFL player and what the trunk of his performance is, I’ve got no doubt that he’ll focus on it and he’ll apply himself.
Mars Stadium…
We enjoy going and playing in Ballarat and we love the ground, the surface is unbelievable.
It should be good conditions; the time slot is a little better than last year so we’re looking forward to it.
We go down the night before and get involved in the local economy and spend some time in the region.
Matt Suckling…
He’ll come in. He’s pretty right. Our return to play program always prepares our players pretty well, he's just got to train today and we're pretty sure he'll be fine.
