westernbulldogs.com.au extracts the key takeaways and talking points to emerge from Senior Coach Luke Beveridge's press conference on Sunday after the Bulldogs' loss to Port Adelaide in Ballarat.
The inexperienced Dogs
A Bulldogs team full of youngsters due to a growing injury list were competitive for a half, but Beveridge said they succumbed to a more seasoned Port Adelaide outfit in the second half.
“There’s probably eight to 10, maybe even a dozen boys, who are still trying to find their way in the game and establish themselves as AFL footballers.
“When you’ve got that, it’s quite difficult to connect as a 22 for a quarter, let alone four. We’re finding it hard to play four quarters.
“They’re doing all they can to continue to improve and press in the latter stages of this AFL year.
“I’m pretty proud that they keep fronting up and the desire is there to win.”
Mars Stadium conditions
There was rain, hail and shine at Mars Stadium on Saturday, which Beveridge said made it difficult for both teams to play their natural game.
“On a day like when the conditions were so wet, it’s difficult to get any flow.
“We had a lot of rain. It didn’t matter where you play, it was always going to be soggy.
“It’s a great surface, but when you have this much rain it’s always just going to be one of those days where it’s a bit more of a surge and territory type game.”
Hayden Crozier
The Bulldog defender put in another strong performance for his new club, winning 22 disposals across half back.
“He’s played a few really good ones for us. He’s found his feet in our back end. He was pretty solid for us again today.
“We’re rapt with the way he’s going. He had some interruption some weeks ago, but we feel like we’d brought in a terrific young person, but a very, very good player who’s going to be important as we move into the next year or two.”
Jason Johannisen
Beveridge backed in Bulldogs speedster Jason Johannisen to bounce back after he received some close checking from the Power on Saturday.
“(Darcy) Byrne-Jones heavily tagged him. It’s a bit easier to tag an outside player, because he can’t get inside and win his own ball at stoppage.
“He didn’t have one of his best games, but he’ll bounce back. He’ll play well next week.
“We played him in a different spot. We thought we’d use his speed in the front half, and unfortunately we couldn’t get him on the end of things.”
Ballarat support
Beveridge said the Ballarat community continues to rally behind the Bulldogs and the team is determined to create future success at Mars Stadium.
“We feel like we get great support through the western corridor, and definitely in Ballarat.
“People have really warmed to the Doggies coming up the highway. We feel like we’ve been embraced.
“Obviously if we’re going better and we’re pressing on the ladder, the enthusiasm changes a little bit.”
