Western Bulldogs senior coach Luke Beveridge says there’s excitement about a ruck combination of Tim English and off-season recruit Stef Martin heading into 2021.

The Bulldogs had a small taste of what the two could do in last week’s informal practice match against Hawthorn, which saw English slot two goals from his time up forward.

Beveridge said while it’s an exciting idea, he understands it may take some time to get right.

“We’ve got a vision of it that we want to achieve there, but it will be a work in progress that I say will last a full year,” he told Garry Lyon and Tim Watson on Bulldogs’ SEN Membership Day.

15:03

Bulldogs Radio | Luke Beveridge on SEN (March 3rd)

Head Coach Luke Beveridge spoke to Garry and Tim on Wednesday morning.

“Hopefully we get some dividends from that combination, (because coming up) we’ve got Max Gawn – I imagine he’d play next week – and then Brodie Grundy in round one.”

The Bulldogs were forced to alternate ruck duties between English, key forward Josh Bruce and some inside midfielders in season 2020, which Beveridge admitted they may be a plan they refer back to if required.

“I think the thing that everyone needs to understand is that it wasn’t just Josh (Dunkley in the ruck) last year, it was Marcus Bontempelli and Jack Macrae who were playing in the ruck as well,” Beveridge said.

“We had three inside midfielders sharing time with Tim, with Josh Bruce – and it won us games.

“If Tim and Stefan and others are flagging, and you want your endurance and speed beasts out on the ground for a bit longer, then you might have to give up some hit-outs and risk manage that a little bit.

“We’ll do different things to try and get an edge, and while every coach (would) just love for every player to completely own their role and just sit back and let them play, the competition’s pretty fierce, and we’re coming up against the best.”

The Western Bulldogs will meet Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Monday afternoon in the 2021 AAMI Community Series.

 

To commemorate SEN Membership Day, the Bulldogs are offering a one-day only exclusive offer for new members.

Bulldogs fans can purchase a six-game bronze membership for the price of three games.  That’s access to Level 3 seating at six Marvel Stadium home games for just $95, or $9.50 per month.

Your membership also includes a $20 Bulldogs Shop voucher to use online or in store.

For more details and terms and conditions, visit www.westernbulldogs.com.au/sen