bornadog
26-08-2019, 06:57 PM
Link (https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/dogs-dare-to-dream-from-seventh-again-20190826-p52kx2.html)
https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.142%2C$multiply_2.12%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_ 0%2C$y_8/t_crop_custom/w_1600/q_62%2Cf_auto/ae775595d99b79f0987a92f94951d5b7195a6d71
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has encouraged his players to embrace a possible journey to the grand final from outside the top four, just as they did three years ago.
A likely unchanged line-up will head to Giants Stadium to take on GWS in a fortnight having won their last two games at the venue, including a famous preliminary final in 2016.
When asked about his team's prospects from seventh on the ladder, Beveridge pointed to the club's record over the fellow finalists this season.
He said West Coast "blew us away" in the second half during their meeting, while Collingwood beat them twice this year in two tight contests.
'I think they can win it'
"The other five teams in the eight we've beaten," the coach said on Monday.
"We won't look past GWS, but there's a distinct possibility that we could be the team at the end. As you chalk up the finals victories, it becomes more probable and it's less of a fantasy.
"Right at this point of time, I'm hoping that all our players believe that we're every much a chance as the top four and we'll approach the series accordingly."
Both Beveridge and his captain Easton Wood conceded September wasn't looking likely when they were just four wins from their first 11 games, although the coach stressed they weren't too far off their best.
Wood said it was a testament to the strong belief within the team that they fought their way back into finals contention.
"To have to win eight after only winning four in the first part of the year, that's a pretty big effort and we probably didn't think it was likely at the time," Wood said.
"But the great thing about 'Bevo' and our coaches and playing group is that there's always been an element of, 'Why not? Why can't it happen?' "
On top of their white-hot form at the right time of the year, the Bulldogs have also found balance and consistency at match committee level.
Although Tory Dickson will have to prove his fitness after missing Sunday's game with a hamstring issue, the Dogs look unlikely to make many changes going into the first final.
"I wouldn't think so," Beveridge said calmly when asked if he was expecting many changes.
"The VFL boys played really well against Coburg. Jackson Trengove was a bit stiff but we don't anticipate we'd make too many changes."
Tom Liberatore (knee) and Caleb Daniel (hamstring) are both chances of coming into the side later in the finals series, if the Bulldogs remain alive.
"If Tom starts to train fully and we win then we'd consider him if we get an injury or something," Beveridge said.
https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.142%2C$multiply_2.12%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_ 0%2C$y_8/t_crop_custom/w_1600/q_62%2Cf_auto/ae775595d99b79f0987a92f94951d5b7195a6d71
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has encouraged his players to embrace a possible journey to the grand final from outside the top four, just as they did three years ago.
A likely unchanged line-up will head to Giants Stadium to take on GWS in a fortnight having won their last two games at the venue, including a famous preliminary final in 2016.
When asked about his team's prospects from seventh on the ladder, Beveridge pointed to the club's record over the fellow finalists this season.
He said West Coast "blew us away" in the second half during their meeting, while Collingwood beat them twice this year in two tight contests.
'I think they can win it'
"The other five teams in the eight we've beaten," the coach said on Monday.
"We won't look past GWS, but there's a distinct possibility that we could be the team at the end. As you chalk up the finals victories, it becomes more probable and it's less of a fantasy.
"Right at this point of time, I'm hoping that all our players believe that we're every much a chance as the top four and we'll approach the series accordingly."
Both Beveridge and his captain Easton Wood conceded September wasn't looking likely when they were just four wins from their first 11 games, although the coach stressed they weren't too far off their best.
Wood said it was a testament to the strong belief within the team that they fought their way back into finals contention.
"To have to win eight after only winning four in the first part of the year, that's a pretty big effort and we probably didn't think it was likely at the time," Wood said.
"But the great thing about 'Bevo' and our coaches and playing group is that there's always been an element of, 'Why not? Why can't it happen?' "
On top of their white-hot form at the right time of the year, the Bulldogs have also found balance and consistency at match committee level.
Although Tory Dickson will have to prove his fitness after missing Sunday's game with a hamstring issue, the Dogs look unlikely to make many changes going into the first final.
"I wouldn't think so," Beveridge said calmly when asked if he was expecting many changes.
"The VFL boys played really well against Coburg. Jackson Trengove was a bit stiff but we don't anticipate we'd make too many changes."
Tom Liberatore (knee) and Caleb Daniel (hamstring) are both chances of coming into the side later in the finals series, if the Bulldogs remain alive.
"If Tom starts to train fully and we win then we'd consider him if we get an injury or something," Beveridge said.