Western Bulldogs season review: Luke Beveridge under pressure again after finals disappointment

The coach is under pressure. Stars want out. And another season which promised so much ended with disappointment. How do the Bulldogs finally turn talent into success in 2025?

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. September 4, 2024. AFL Elimination final. Western Bulldogs vs. Hawthorn at the MCG. Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli reacts after his shot at goal was touched 4th qtr. Pic: Michael Klein

An indifferent start to the year and a disappointing end to the season.

It’s a story the Western Bulldogs have told often in recent years and again in 2024, the Dogs threatened to be a genuine flag contender but didn’t go deep enough in September.

A host of industry people believe the Dogs have a list that should be contending for a flag, and a host also think the depth is an issue.

And now that is set to take a hit, with stalwart Jack Macrae and midfielder Bailey Smith asking to leave ahead of trade period.

Luke Beveridge’s Bulldogs bowed out in another elimination final. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

More could come.

The Dogs still have Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar and Tom Liberatore in the middle, Bailey Dale, Liam Jones and an impressive Rory Lobb in defence, and a forward line boasting Aaron Naughton, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Cody Weightman and young tyro Sam Darcy.

That is the backbone of a very good team, if coach Luke Beveridge can find the right mix around them.

That has been an issue in the past and good coaching teams get the best out of those on the edges and build a system that helps them.

The moves of Lobb back and Ed Richards into the middle were excellent, but ruck Tim English stalled.

The Dogs need to pull it all together instead of wasting another year of Bontempelli’s prime.

OFF-SEASON MOVES

The Bulldogs are set to be one of the busiest teams in trade period this off-season.

Everyone is talking about the exodus at Richmond, but there are already two high-profile Dogs requesting trades, with more expected to leave.

Bailey Smith is expected to be a Cat next year. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

Bailey Smith has confirmed the worst-kept trade secret in recent days, requesting a trade, while Jack Macrae followed suit despite being contract for a further three seasons.

While neither midfielder has nominated a club of choice, Geelong is expected to land Smith and have been linked with Macrae, who also has St Kilda as an interested party.

Caleb Daniel is also weighing up his future after stints in the VFL and as the sub, while Riley Garcia has interest elsewhere.

It gives the Bulldogs a real chance of adding further young talent to its ageing core.

Jack Macrae wants out. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

The Bulldogs will demand a bounty for the out-of-contract Smith, who is expected to head down the highway for at least a first-round pick, plus more.

Given Geelong’s current first rounder will likely end up in the 20s, the Bulldogs should be starting talks by asking for two first rounders.

Macrae seems a more simple trade despite being contracted, with mid-to-late picks likely enough to get the deal done for the 30-year-old.

If Daniel decides he wants to move, he’ll have a bevy of suitors as a classy user at 28 years old, and would be worth a pick somewhere in the second round.

The positive here is the platform a bunch of picks this year can set, with draftees Joel Freijah and Ryley Sanders expected to step forward again next year, first-round pick Jedd Busslinger serving his apprenticeship and 21-year-old Sam Darcy ready to explode.

Youngsters are great but they often don’t help teams win finals, so adding more youth usually points to a small step backwards.

COACHING CALL

Beveridge is never able to get off the hot seat.

Even after making finals, the blowback for the Dogs was fierce after the elimination final.

The best coach in club history, Beveridge is contracted next year but clubs are always squeamish about entering a season with a coach in the final year of a deal.

Pressure is back on Beveridge. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

The Dogs have stood behind their man over the years and will have to ask themselves the question over summer whether they need to lock him away to avoid the scrutiny.

Jumping early just to appease those outside the club has backfired many times, maybe this is one case where it is worth keeping that hot seat turned on.

WAY TOO EARLY PREDICTION: 7th (14-9)

Originally published as Western Bulldogs season review: Luke Beveridge under pressure again after finals disappointment