Aaron Naughton backs Luke Beveridge to continue as Western Bulldogs coach

Aaron Naughton says the Western Bulldogs will be “playing for Bevo” this season as Luke Beveridge comes under pressure to deliver the Dogs another flag.

Western Bulldogs’ spearhead Aaron Naughton says the team will be “playing for Bevo” this season to underline the players’ full support for premiership coach Luke Beveridge.

The club has put off a decision on Beveridge’s future until later in the season after an injury-marred summer sidelined six of their most important players for the early rounds.

But 197cm swingman James O’Donnell remarkably remains a chance to play against Collingwood in the club’s 100th-year anniversary blockbuster at the MCG on Friday night after training fully on Wednesday.

O’Donnell, 22, had surgery to insert a plate in his jaw on Monday, but could take on the Magpies.

Injuries have dealt a huge blow to the club’s premiership prospects, but Naughton, 25, said the players wanted to show how much they believed in out-of-contract Beveridge and his game plan this season.

“Speak to any of us, we love him as our coach,” Naughton told the Herald Sun.

Aaron Naughton said the Dogs would be playing for Bevo. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images.

“No doubt winning helps his cause and that makes everyone feel really settled at the footy club, so that is our job.

“I don’t think he, personally, is too worried about all of that, but he is our coach and we will be playing for him.

“When we do buy-in, what we are saying is we do believe in the system he has put in place because we know we can win games of footy and be really competitive across the competition.

“We have great belief in the squad and Bevo’s and the coaches’ game plan.”

Gun defender Liam Jones and midfielder Adam Treloar trained impressively on Wednesday and may only be several weeks away from a return, while superstar skipper Marcus Bontempelli is on track for a comeback from a calf complaint in Gather Round in three weeks.

But playmaker Riley Garcia will miss two months after an arthroscope on his knee on Monday, continuing the club’s horrific run.

Naughton said the Dogs could still challenge the top sides after an excellent second half of last season and first round win over cellar dweller North Melbourne on Saturday night.

“We are focused on starting the season well and once we get some boys back no doubt it will help, but we have great belief the boys we have available we can get the job done,” Naughton said.

“We are really comfortable within our system that everyone can thrive and play good footy.”

Key forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan also trained on Wednesday after making a slightly late start to the session.

Naughton, who was appointed deputy vice-captain this year, has spent considerable time with Ugle-Hagan away from the club.

The star goal kicker said he believed Ugle-Hagan, 22, was not ready to finish up his career amid some personal issues.

“He has got to have a self-reflection,” Naughton said.

Luke Beveridge has been backed to the hilt by Aaron Naughton. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“My understanding is he still wants to be an AFL footballer and he clearly has the talent to be a very successful one.

“So, the ball is in his court in this situation. It’s up to him.

“My job is to be there to support him, and to be there whenever he needs me and keep encouraging him. He is making progress.

“My fingers are crossed and I do believe he can get back out there.”