Eade looks likely to make changes at the selection table this week in the wake of his team’s 51-point hiding at the hands of Hawthorn in Friday night’s qualifying final.
Ward was named Williamstown’s best player in its loss to North Ballarat in the VFL on Sunday, meaning he is likely to figure prominently in discussions this week.
After losing just one match through the first 15 rounds, the Bulldogs face the prospect of a straight-sets exit should they not beat the Sydney Swans in a second semi-final at the MCG on Friday night.
And Eade has not ruled out tinkering with his line-up after the side he sent out against the Hawks last Friday was comprehensively beaten across the park.
“The 22 who played [against Hawthorn] will be available [for selection this week],” Eade told the Herald Sun.
“The form of a few players will come into calculations ... A lot of players didn't perform well [against Hawthorn], but there are a few of those whose form hasn't been great for a while, so obviously we will start looking at that.”
Eade vented his displeasure with his side’s disappointing display at a weekend recovery session at Whitten Oval.
And the coach admitted he didn’t mince his words.
“Some fairly honest words were spoken,” he said.
“We had a fairly heavy session discussing where we went wrong, and what the thought process was going forward, and what we needed to do.
“I just said the effort wasn't acceptable and we shouldn't accept that.
“After what we have achieved this year, to let it go down the tube with one performance is not acceptable.
“We have another chance, and that's what we have to do this week."
