Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says “something beyond pride” describes his players’ efforts in overcoming enormous adversity to book their place in the 2020 finals series.
The Bulldogs have endured a slow start to the campaign, injuries to key players, the uncertainty of day-to-day life in a Queensland hub and the need to bank late-season wins under extreme pressure to keep their dreams of playing finals football alive.
With a desperate and disciplined performance against Fremantle in Cairns on Sunday evening, they secured a spot in an Elimination Final in two weeks’ time.
“It is emotional. It’s been a tough home and away season. We’re over the moon,” Beveridge said after the game.
“To think we were zero and two, and probably our integrity and brand as a team was questioned back then, and rightfully so.
“The boys have done an amazing job when you consider the uncertainty and the challenges of the circumstances.
“A few weeks ago, we talked about the fact that essentially we needed to win the last three games. We were quite open and upfront about it.
“At that point there’s a decision to make by all and sundry, and as a collective, and to see what the lads have done over the course of the year and then the last few weeks, I don’t think pride is the right word. There’s something beyond pride that we all feel for them.
“It’s great to give our supporters a little spring in their step, the fact that we’re now alive in a finals series.”
Beveridge praised the efforts of Lachie Hunter, who was a key contributor in the Bulldogs’ 30-point triumph over the Dockers with a season-high 35 disposals and a goal.
Your BOG from the win is: _______#MightyWest
— Western B_lldogs (@westernbulldogs) September 20, 2020
“Lachie was just brilliant tonight. He was outstanding. He worked the house down,” he said.
“He probably should’ve kicked a couple more, but he really set a fine example.
“He helped drag us out of that sort of arm wrestle with the Dockers.”The Bulldogs will be monitoring the fitness of important forwards Aaron Naughton and Mitch Wallis ahead of the first final, with both players succumbing to injuries in the final round triumph.
