3 minute read

The Western Bulldogs will take an unchanged line-up into their AFL clash with Richmond at Marvel Stadium despite a run of four losses.

Luke Beveridge has continued to show faith in his underperforming attack, but the Western Bulldogs coach concedes pressure is mounting, with a much-improved display against Richmond required.

The Dogs have failed to score more than nine goals in any of their past four AFL matches, with a similar display unlikely to be enough to claim the premiership points at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

The Bulldogs, who are second in the competition for inside 50s, are clearly generating enough scoring opportunities.

But fans looking for a bold statement at the selection table after four straight losses were left disappointed when Beveridge stuck with the same 22 defeated by Fremantle.

"We haven't been using the ball well enough for long enough, but there was enough good in that performance to provide some encouragement for this week," Beveridge said.

"We don't harp on statistics but the KPIs around opportunity paint a good picture for us, but we don't capitalise on them.

"And that's our endeavour - to make sure we do.

"We believe we've got a pretty good system that creates enough chances and defends pretty well as a group, but if you're not taking them and hitting the scoreboard then it comes back to bite you.

"That's what's happening a little bit.

"I think some of the lads in the AFL team are definitely feeling some pressure to play well."

The eighth-placed Tigers were forced into making two changes as they look to improve on their 4-2 record.

David Astbury (ankle) and Jack Riewoldt (knee) joined Trent Cotchin (hamstring), Alex Rance (knee), Jack Graham (hamstring) and Shaun Grigg (knee, hip) on the sidelines after last week's win over Melbourne.

The pair were replaced by Shai Bolton and Connor Menadue.

"They've got a similar configuration or composition in their team as we have ... they're not a tall side," Beveridge said.

"They've lost some experienced players but it's been impressive to see the way some of their young guys have come in and performed.

"I think both teams height-wise won't be far apart which is a bit different for us.

"Hopefully we can take a couple of bites inside our 50 and be able to hit that scoreboard from those set shots."

Beveridge, who led the Bulldogs to the 2016 premiership in his second year in charge, will coach his 100th AFL match on Saturday night.