Western Bulldogs senior coach Luke Beveridge says preparing for Friday night’s top-four clash against Geelong will be no different to any other week.
Coming off the bye weekend, the Bulldogs currently sit just above their opposition in second position on the ladder with 10 wins and two losses.
Beveridge said despite a lot of commentary around Geelong’s in-form forward line, he feels his side is ready for the challenge.
“We’ve had a bit of a day-on, day-off approach and I think we’re fresh enough, but now is the challenge to really switch on and get back into it and bring out our best footy,” Beveridge told media over Zoom on Thursday morning.
“You’re never certain - regardless of who you’re playing you’ve always got to be ready – but with them nipping at our toes ladder-wise, there’s a pretty obvious reminder that we’ll need to be at our best.
“Every week is a test - Geelong is a strong outfit, and they’re experienced. We’ll have our hands full with (their forward line), and obviously Patrick Dangerfield is back as well and plays a bit of forward time, so we’ll need to be on our toes.”
Beveridge was pleased with how his side responded against Fremantle, after suffering their second loss of the season to Melbourne the week prior.
“It was really encouraging to see how our players managed that situation (against Fremantle) going into a game against a team that plays extremely well at their home base – (this week) is a different opponent, but no more or less important,” Beveridge said.
“There’s an inner belief when a team like Melbourne or a team like Richmond just give you a little bit of a reminder when you are slightly off, or when there are a handful of players who have come off their best that you just need to recommit to everything that has worked.
“On Friday night we’ll really focus on our stuff and what’s worked for us, and make our adjustments as need be throughout the course of the game.”
A crowd of up to 7000 spectators will be allowed to attend the clash at GMHBA Stadium, but must be members and reside in the areas surrounding Geelong.
The Bulldogs will announce their team to take on the Cats at 6.20pm tonight.
