“In triumph or in victory, you need to move on and re-establish yourself all over again.”
It’s these words from Luke Beveridge that the Western Bulldogs players and staff will be driven by as another AFL campaign approaches.
Despite the disappointment of the 2021 Grand Final, Beveridge told SEN radio on Western Bulldogs Member Day that the Club is ready to go and excited about taking on Melbourne in front of a capacity crowd.
“There is an air of positivity around the place,” Beveridge said on Whateley.
“We have spent a lot of the time focusing on how we got there (the 2021 Grand Final) rather than what happened. It is a glass half full approach.
“There were so many extreme positives going into the Grand Final.”
Beginning the pre-season with two narrow losses has kept the side on its toes approaching the first game of the season, with the coach adamant that results will take care of themselves.
“I said after the game last week that this is a time where you get perspective and can compare yourself to other teams, other clubs,” he said.
“The shorter pre-season starting in December and having played right through the finals series means you have a shorter timeline. We are in a pretty good position.
“I am really content with the amount of opportunities we are creating for ourselves.”
Beveridge addressed the rivalry that is beginning to blossom between the Dogs and Dees, believing that on-field it can be great for the game.
“If there is a fierce rivalry emerging then I think it is good for the game - healthy for both clubs,” he said.
“Is there a jealousy for what happened last year? You’d hope so. If that drives our passion and vigour in the Round 1 game then that is important.”
There is hope that a Dogs’ playing group still with youth on its side will continue to take steps forward in 2022 and beyond.
“Every year from the boys who have performed to really adequate to high levels – you are still looking for improvement,” he said.
“Looking for players to emerge, guys who are in their first or second year – that is a wait and see as well.
“We have some uncertainty around our key position players that has been discussed at match committee.”
On Wednesday, Beveridge receive AFL Life Membership at the 2022 AFL Season Launch, after reaching 300 games as a player and coach.
“When you think back to when you’re a young five-year-old and became aware that the game is alluring and started to develop a passion for it to culminate in this recognition – I feel pretty blessed,” he claimed.
“When I was first contacted I thought they’d counted my reserves games as well - I feel very fortunate.”
