The Western Bulldogs have restored an element of pride with the way they performed against the GWS Giants on Friday night, says senior coach Luke Beveridge.
In a heated contest, the Bulldogs matched their opposition’s physicality and produced a strong four-quarter performance to win by 24 points.
It was their first win for the season, and a welcome response after disappointing losses to St Kilda and Collingwood in the opening two rounds.
“The most pleasing thing is we played a brand of footy we’re proud of,” Beveridge said post-game.
“This group isn’t a group that you send out to be enforcers. They’re learning to be a contested, competitive side and a team where they’re proud of each other as teammates.
“After the last couple of weeks where we’ve gone out with every intention to do exactly what I’m saying, but we haven’t – or haven’t for long enough – to do it consistently for four quarters… for our boys to play the way we did for the duration, that’s what I’m most pleased about.”
A rivalry between the Bulldogs and Giants has built in recent years, with the most recent instalment in last year’s elimination final.
Beveridge said the Bulldogs prepared for the Giants again to approach the game with a physical mindset.
“We expected it. You’re never sure about the off the ball stuff and whether or not the appetite is there to do it again, but it was there again tonight,” he said.
“It’s nice to be on the winners’ list (in 2020) and now it’s just one win – that’s all it is.”
Skipper Marcus Bontempelli was again the Giants’ primary target from the opening bounce, following on from the sides’ most recent clash.
But this time around, the star Bulldog had plenty of support from his teammates – and the last laugh, on the scoreboard.
“I think the boys felt like they let him down last year and they wanted to make amends,” Beveridge said.
“There’s articles written in the papers about if Marcus Bontempelli can deal with a tag… he’s dealt with a tag for most of his footy career, he’s won three best and fairests and he’s been an outstanding player.
“He’s got the runs on the board. He doesn’t need to prove anything to us.
“I thought tonight he led through action and his preparation was brilliant when the club’s been under a bit of pressure.”
