Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has praised the impact of leaders within the playing group at the end of 2018, as the Club enters 2019 full of optimism.

After a challenging season, the Bulldogs closed out 2018 with three wins from their final four matches – with the loss being a three-point defeat to preliminary finalist, Richmond.

Whilst 2019 will present new challenges, Beveridge is confident the growth within the leadership group last season will have an impact this year.

“We were really proud of the way the leaders went about their work last year,” Beveridge said.

RIDING THE WAVE: LUKE BEVERIDGE

“They were confronted with significant challenges, with teammates going down and some losses that sort of blew out in second halves.

“They held their nerve and at times they challenged all of us as to what they thought was the best profile in the last month and a half.”

“The results at the end of the year are largely attributed to the collective, there’s no doubt about that. But I loved the way they went about their voice and their action, and the way they interacted with the whole of the footy department.

“That’s only going to help them and expedite their progress as leaders, and help them believe that they’re on the right track and that everyone has got their back, and will help them along their own leadership path.”

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The Dogs were forced to field 38 players throughout 2018, with injuries taking their toll.

Four players – Easton Wood, Marcus Bontempelli, Lachie Hunter and Jason Johannisen – captained the side, while several young players emerged, including Ed Richards, Aaron Naughton and Brad Lynch.

“We always see the upside, and we’re always glass half-full,” Beveridge said.

“Our players have been through some challenging times with various things affecting performance.

“There’s a core belief though amongst everyone about what the right recipe will be, and that changes with personnel coming in and out.

“We got a little bit of a spring in our step through some of our performances in the back end of the year (in 2018), but it’s a new year, and as much as that was encouraging, we’re under no illusions of what’s going to be required to compete with the upper echelon (in 2019).”

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