Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge is expecting a “huge challenge” against Port Adelaide in Ballarat tomorrow.
Port Adelaide has the upper hand over the Dogs in recent history, having won the last four meetings, but Beveridge is confident his selected side is up for the fight.
“We haven’t beaten them for the last I think three years...they’ll have a slightly different blend without Travis Boak playing, and maybe Connor Rozee playing off the half-back flank. There’s a few different personnel in both teams,” Beveridge told media on Friday morning.
“We see it as a huge challenge. They’ve been at their best in recent times, and we saw the first quarter against Hawthorn a couple of weeks ago – that’s what they’re capable of.
“We’re dialled into what’s expected in the intensity of the game and we’re looking forward to the battle.
“The team that heads to Ballarat is a strong team. You have to get out of the space of (looking at the wins that got away) and look forward to your opportunity of trying to chalk up the next one.”
Beveridge welcomed the return of Adam Treloar, who will play his first match of the 2025 campaign, while also celebrating 200-gamer Jason Johannisen.
“The thing about Adam coming back into the team at this time is that he’s coming into a blend through the midfield brigade that has started to become quite influential in what they’re doing,” he said.
“That gives us peace of mind that Adam will add to that, and will help, I suppose, relieve the burden a little bit and take some responsibility in his role.
“You’ll see him play a bit of midfield, you’ll see him play some forward time...as an All-Australian last year, we know what he’s capable of and it’s great that he’s become available.
“JJ’s just an outstanding player and person.
“For him now to get to 200 – when you think of all the games he’s missed through soft-tissue injuries, he’d be nearing closer to 300 you would have thought if he hadn’t been so unfortunate with his body.
“He’s been really resilient and we’re looking forward to him playing his 200th.”
The first bounce will be at 1:20pm AEST at Mars Stadium on Saturday.
