With his first game as a senior coach only days away, Luke Beveridge would be forgiven for feeling a little nervous ahead of the Bulldogs’ round one match on Saturday night.

However Beveridge says that after a big pre-season, he’s more than ready for his Club’s clash with West Coast.

“It’s been a long pre-season for all and I think most of the players have been ready for the last two or three weeks,” said Beveridge, speaking with SEN earlier this week.

“It can’t come quick enough and personally I’m more enthusiastic and excited than nervous… I can’t wait until Saturday night.”

After an impressive NAB Challenge campaign, including a convincing 61-point win over Collingwood with a near full-strength side, there have been plenty of positive signs for his Bulldogs side.

Yet it was the way in which his playing group adapted to an amended playing style, that has had him most impressed.

“What has surprised me is how quickly they’ve grasped what we wanted them to do.

“Over the recent four months for them to evolve like they have and really latch on to it (game plan) and implement it as quickly as they can… there’s no doubt the signs are really positive.”

Although satisfied with his side’s performances to date, Beveridge understands the challenges ahead.

“The Collingwood effort we hope we can sustain and the energy from that performance, but that’s the challenge with this young group to see if we can trot that out week to week.”