After an eye-catching finish to the NAB Challenge, Senior Coach Luke Beveridge has said his side is only just scratching the surface of its full capabilities.

Speaking at the Club’s Season Launch event on Tuesday night, Beveridge received a rousing reception as he addressed the Bulldogs faithful on the eve of the home and away season. 

At the Club’s Annual General Meeting in December, Beveridge likened the Western Bulldogs to a vehicle in need of a service, and he continued with the same metaphor as he shared insights into the players’ labours on the training track.

“Over the course of the pre-season, our players have basically jumped behind the wheel of a new rally car,” said Beveridge.

“They’ve thrashed it to find out what it can do. We discovered it can handle some of the bends at highest speeds.”

Assisted by recently retired Bulldog, and now assistant coach, Daniel Giansiracusa, Beveridge presented the 2015 playing group with their Guernseys.

For 11 new players, this was the first time that they had participated in this season eve ritual at the Club.

Beveridge also spoke of the playing group’s enthusiasm throughout his early tenure, to band together and embrace his ideas and philosophies.

“Our players have been extraordinary in their willingness to accept change, their eagerness to act on instructions and their commitment to our program.

“We got a sniff of the product of their labours over the course of the NAB series but we’re just scratching the surface.

“We’re preparing for the challenges ahead. We have a vision of what it looks like, and we’re working on the synergies to get there quickly.”

Beveridge lauded the support shown to his group but urged the room, and fellow Bulldogs supporters to continue that throughout the coming years.

“We love the Doggies supporters, your loyalty, your passion for the Club and your commitment to our players.

“I am very fortunate as I said at the AGM to be coaching the boys and working with everyone at the Club.

“We must continue to support each other and do everything we can, especially our players, supporting our players.

"Everything we can to pursue notoriety as a new force in the game.”