Western Bulldogs on receiving end of new coach curse for third time this season

At least St Kilda’s next opponent knows what it’s like to play against a team fired up by a coach departure — the Dogs have already copped it twice this season. And their fans aren’t happy.

Kangaroos coach Brad Scott waves to fans after the Round 10 AFL match between the Western Bulldogs.

Which fans are suffering the most from Alan Richardson’s sudden departure from St Kilda?

As Saints supporters bemoan another failed coaching tenure and the seemingly endless search for a second premiership, they have competition from fans of another club who feel like the real victims in the saga.

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The Western Bulldogs face the Saints this Sunday hoping to keep their finals chances alive and now have the added challenge of playing against a team fired up by the departure of a popular coach, and the spark of a new mentor.

At least they know what that’s like — it’s the third time it’s happened to the Dogs this season.

Ho, what’s this? A club and coach part company...they must be playing the Bulldogs this week

— Seeker...🇳🇱 (@Seekersupacoach) July 16, 2019

In Round 10 the Dogs were stunned by the Kangaroos, who posted their third win of the season. We later learned the players had been told that morning it would be Brad Scott’s last game as coach.

Brad Scott farewells fans after defeating the Bulldogs in his last game as Kangaroos coach.

Charlie Curnow celebrates one of his seven goals against the Dogs.

Just two weeks later, it happened again. Carlton gave Brendon Bolton the flick and David Teague took over. His first assignment was against the Lions — a game Carlton won by 15 points. The next week they faced the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium and produced an inspired performance to crack the 100-point mark for just the second time this season. The Dogs were lucky to escape with a three-point win.

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Can the Saints lift for Richo — and new caretaker coach Brett Ratten — on Sunday?

If they do, you can be sure your Bulldogs-supporting friends will let you know all about the curse that has followed the club this year.

St Kilda becomes the third club this year to change senior coach leading into a clash against the Bulldogs. Forget the dead cat bounce, how about the dead dog bounce instead. #MightyWest

— Adam Hill (@adamhillmedia) July 16, 2019

Like👏Effing👏Clockwork👏coaches👏get👏sacked👏the👏week👏they👏play👏the👏Bulldogs👏 https://t.co/zclqdSWVhp

— Danny McGinlay (@dannymcginlay) July 16, 2019

Clubs thinking about sacking their coach

Step 1 - check fixture for when they play bulldogs
Step 2 - sack early week of the bulldogs game

Fair dinkum how often has this happened 2/2 this year !

— Jason W (@JRW1973) July 16, 2019

Third AFL coach this season sacked before playing the @westernbulldogs wtf? I don't want to see dead coach bounce this week. #aflsaintsdogs

— BigFooty Bulldogs (@BigFootyDogs) July 16, 2019

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Originally published as Western Bulldogs on receiving end of new coach curse for third time this season