The head coach has just announced another unexpected great signing, more than the other signings.
More than the previous signings, the head coach recently revealed the addition of another wonderful, surprise addition. Leigh Montagna, a dual All-Australian, claims that Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beverdge made a “statement” over the weekend indicating the team is going through a “regeneration” phase.
A week after Jack Macrae was demoted to the role of substitute, Bailey Dale was named the starting player, and Caleb Daniel was dropped, as Beveridge once again went to youth in a 29-point loss to Essendon.
The Bulldogs coach has said that the team is evolving after two disappointing seasons in which they failed to live up to expectations, missing the playoffs the previous year, and wanting to give young players more responsibility without providing an explanation that the team is undergoing a soft rebuild.
Montagna says that Beveridge made his most definitive “statement” to date—that the Dogs are welcoming a change of leadership—during an appearance on Fox Footy’s The First Crack.
“I think the Western Bulldogs made a statement, and that was the biggest disappointment of the weekend for me,” Montagna remarked.
Montagna stated that because the players “now know” that the club is putting its next generation ahead of its veterans, the Dogs are facing a new “problem” and a “different challenge.”
“To try and say, ‘Look, I think we can’t go to where we want to get as a club with those players in our team, especially some of the ones that have been tremendous for us for a number of years—senior and all-Australian players. Therefore, Montagna stated, “We need to find the next group that can contend by bringing in some more athleticism and leg speed and continuing to play guys like Harvey Gallagher, James O’Donnell, Lachie Bramble, and Sam Darcy.”
This is somewhat of a rebirth. It was subdued over the past few weeks, but today it stands out. Everyone must realize that they are not good enough and that they will have to attempt to reshape themselves while evading capture.
“They have a solid core group of players; it might not take long, but it won’t be this year, and it won’t be the group that has helped them get to where they have in the past.
“Don’t get me wrong, they’re still a good enough squad to be in the hunt for the championship; they might still play in it. However, their goal is to win; they don’t want to be a club that plays passably.
“The Swans did it, and Collingwood did it to a lesser extent. They spiked pretty quick and got rid of a few (veterans).”
“The coach or the list (that hasn’t helped the club get where it wants to go) is the only option. They seem to have decided to regenerate. The Saints veteran continued, “They know they need players who can cover ground and have more leg speed.”
“They’re not getting hung up on the notion that Macrae is a ball magnet, Daniel is a smart player, and Dale has a wonderful kick. They are more experienced than we are, and they are aware of what they are doing off the ball. Do they actually aid in defense? Do they actually intend to put an end to the 18-month goal streak?
It comes with a number of elite players, such as Tim English, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, and Bailey Smith, whose contracts expire at the end of the season.
It all depends on who you get rid of and what you can now acquire for them. Now, it’s all about the trade,” King stated on The First Crack.
Who has the strongest deck of cards? Get them sold. Remove English from the area. You don’t want to be here, Bailey Smith? Alright, we’ll find you a fantastic choice. You can wrap the remaining items.
“They will be valuable assets for other clubs; they are more than just steak knives.”
