Luke Beveridge says his Western Bulldogs side must make the most of their opportunity as they prepare to take on Collingwood on Sunday afternoon.
The Bulldogs play the Pies at Etihad Stadium, with the coach instilling confidence in his charges for both the Pies match and the rest of the season.
TEAMS: View the line up that takes on the Pies on Sunday.
“We feel that we picked a really strong 22 this week, and we feel that we go into this game as good a chance as the Pies to perform well.
“It’s a big game. It’s important in the scheme of our season that we put our best foot forward and do everything we can to beat the Pies and give us a chance in the run home.”
Beveridge noted the importance of each game heading into the pointy end of the season but held no fears for his young side’s fitness and strength with seven rounds remaining, and the possibility of finals football looming.
“We’re fit enough and there’s a risk with any side if the attrition rate is high and you’re asking a lot of too few then you’re more vulnerable.
“The risk for any team is there, not just for a young side but we won’t go quietly.
“It’s really important that all our plays understand that there’s an opportunity in front of us and we’re going to make the most of it.”
Tom Boyd comes out of the Bulldogs side to face the Pies, with Shane Biggs replacing him, and Beveridge praised the young forward for his efforts to date.
“Tommy’s done an enormous job for us this year, he’s been so critical in all of our wins really, just giving us that contest.
“He’s worked so hard and I can’t fault anything that he’s done.
“Just this week with ‘Stewy’ (Crameri) coming back last week and Jack Redpath’s going ok, just for the make up of our side, Tom makes way and we’ve bought another runner (Biggs) in to the side.”
Beveridge was confident Tom Campbell would perform well as the Bulldogs sole ruckman on Sunday.
“It’s a big challenge. Tommy played one game back and we’re backing him in.
OPPOSITION ANALYSIS: Preview the Pies ahead of Sunday's clash.
“Tom will put his best foot forward and we believe that’s going to be good enough up against Witts and Grundy.”
Jordan Roughead has been withdrawn from Bulldogs side, with Michael Talia coming in to replace him, Lin Jong takes Talia’s place as an emergency.
