Western Bulldogs senior coach Luke Beveridge says the most impressive part of Saturday’s 49-point win over Adelaide was the even spread of contributors.
The Bulldogs had 12 individual players hit the scoreboard, with Beveridge highlighting his team’s well-rounded efforts post-match.
“I felt like we approached the game with the intensity level that we needed to – that first half a dozen minutes Adelaide probably jumped us a bit with their intensity, but after that I felt like it was pretty consistent,” Beveridge told media over Zoom.
“I thought it was a pretty even spread of contributions from the boys.
“We’re emerging as a team – I know there’s some dialogue around settling your team and having your best players play, but ultimately with injury tolls and form-lines, and a group who are gaining experience as well, you’re not afforded the luxury of being too settled.
“I was really grateful for our players and their flexibility and adaptability in what they’ve been able to do, and our coaches and staff who are running our program.
“It’s been a big team effort to weather the storm a little bit, and now we’re seeing some guys like Scotty, Riley Garcia and Roarke Smith, ‘Schack’ down back too - who probably have been on the edge of the team - make really important contributions.”
The win also means the Bulldogs will remain on top of the AFL ladder for another week.
And while they look on track to securing their first minor premiership in Club history, Beveridge said he's keeping the focus a week-by-week prospect.
“There’s three games left, and it’s still really tight (at the top of the ladder),” he said.
“We play Essendon next week, then Hawthorn and then Port Adelaide in the last round.
"If we can just keep turning up, keep fronting up with the same motivation and the same willingness to contribute and inspire each other, we’ll be okay.
“Whatever happens from there, it’ll take care of itself.”