WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has hailed the belief of his side after a stirring preliminary final win over Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium on Saturday.
The Bulldogs dominated the inside 50 count 68-45, the clearances 52-39, and also won more contested possessions than the Giants, but some costly misses in front of goal looked to have proved too much for them to overcome.
GWS kicked the opening two goals of the final quarter through Rory Lobb and Toby Greene to lead by 14 points, but the Dogs willed themselves backed into the contest with four of the game's last five goals, to book a Grand Final spot with a thrilling six-point victory.
Beveridge said his team's commitment, and ability to turn their season around after finishing the regular season with a lacklustre loss to Fremantle in round 23, was something to be proud of.
"We just kept getting off the mat, and we kept getting off the canvas if we got knocked down," he said post-match.
"We've been searching for things all year, and our two finals prior to this we were able to establish a little bit more with the ball.
"We definitely played a better brand with the Sherrin (football).
"Tonight was a bit different, there was probably a little bit more pressure.
"GWS are that little bit quicker, so you get even less time.
"We're not surprised, but we couldn't be happier with the transition in our performances right before the finals."
"You've got to make sure you don't play the game over and over (in your head)," Beveridge said.
"It's a bit of a broken record but really it is the best advice.
"Ultimately, every final is more important than the home and away games, but if you stray from what you know, you're in a bit of strife.
"You try and find a level head to play with the freedom that you'd like too, but also understand the significance of the occasion and the opportunity at hand.
"We'll need to do that on balance and the boys will get good direction.
"There'll be a lot of exciting things going on during the week, but I think they're such a new-age sort of bunch, I think they'll really enjoy it and take it in their stride."
WATCH: Luke Beveridge's full post-match press conference
