Search

show me:

Bulldogs won't be AFL victims: Beveridge

3 minute read

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge is happy his team can train at the Gabba on Friday as they prepare to face the Brisbane Lions in their AFL knockout final.

Bulldogs coach LUKE BEVERIDGE.
Bulldogs coach LUKE BEVERIDGE. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Western Bulldogs have been given permission to train at the Gabba on Friday in a boost to their preparations for the sudden-death AFL final against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night.

The Bulldogs had requested a day-time final so they could avoid being locked in their Brisbane hotel rooms all day Saturday.

While that was denied, coach Luke Beveridge said his team had had some small wins as they targeted a preliminary final berth against Port Adelaide.

The Bulldogs will arrive from Tasmania early on Friday afternoon and head to the Gabba for a captain's run.

While confined to their hotel, players will be permitted to eat lunch together and also move between the two floors they will be located on.

"It's important, especially with a longer haul trip - it's going to take us between two and a half to three hours to get to Brisbane," Beveridge said on Thursday.

"To be able to stretch the legs and have a bit of a shuffle and maybe get the Sherrins out for 10 minutes.

"We've been afforded that in all locations we've been to all year so ticking that one off is critical."

Beveridge said they wanted to play the "victor card" as they dealt with the ongoing challenges of being out of Victoria.

"You can play the victim card or you can play the victor card," Beveridge said.

"I think we've been able to stay positive and galvanise a little bit on the road as well. This is another opportunity."

Beveridge felt with the expected heat in Brisbane, a night game probably suited his team who overcame Essendon in the week-one final in Launceston in cold and wet conditions.

"It's pretty warm in Brisbane and we haven't experienced too much heat in the climates we've been exposed to in recent times, so it makes sense for us to be playing at night as well," he said.

"It wasn't a Brisbane call it was a collaborative call."

The Bulldogs go into the match unchanged.

The Lions recalled key defender Jack Payne and Deven Robertson to replace Daniel McStay (concussion) and Jaxon Prior (axed).

Beveridge said ruckman Stefan Martin (groin) may not feature again this season, while No.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan wouldn't face the Lions.

He said the 19-year-old key forward's chances took a major hit with Josh Bruce's season-ending knee injury.

"'Marra' shows really promising form and we love what he did when he came into the team," Beveridge said.

"What he was fortunate to have during that time was a big guy next to him named Josh Bruce, who could buffer the load and take the first and second defender."

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au