Luke Beveridge signs contract extension with Western Bulldogs

There were calls for St Kilda to make a big play for Luke Beveridge but the Western Bulldogs coach reveals why he isn’t going anywhere.

Luke Beveridge is staying put at the Kennel. Picture: AAP

Luke Beveridge admits he has a “strong emotional connection” to St Kilda but says it does not compare to his love for the Western Bulldogs after signing on until 2023.

The 2016 premiership coach used his weekly media conference on Friday to drop a bombshell, announcing he would be staying at the kennel for another four seasons.

He was already contracted for next season, but he has now signed a new three-year extension that will keep him away from the overtures of other clubs.

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Former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas this week called on the Saints — who have parted away with Alan Richardson — to offer Beveridge a 10-year deal.

“Thommo has always been a great supporter of mine and I really appreciate him,” Beveridge said in response on Friday.

“He has a lot to offer and a lot of experience, and I love the fact that he thinks that would have been a good move for the Saints.

“I still have a strong emotional connection to the Saints, but you can imagine what my connection is here now.”

Beveridge, who manages himself, refused to say whether he had been approached by other clubs.

“There’s no doubt with some of the instability in the coaching fraternity and the ranks, there’s been a bit of noise,” he said.

“My preference would be, regardless of whether or not there has been any overtures in my direction, not to go there because all that mattered was that I was always going to commit here.”

Beveridge said he believed the support was strong enough from the club to continue his coaching tenure, which began in 2015.

“We’re heading somewhere, we’re looking to be the best side in the competition again and we’re on the right track,” he said.

“There’s no doubt when you go through some periods when there’s some troughs as far as wins and losses go, and there’s some challenging commentary and even sentiment around whether or not we may be heading the right way.

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has signed a three-year contract extension. Picture: AAP

“They’re the important times you want some consistency and behaviours in support, and also support in what you’re doing.

“I’ve never ever been concerned that hasn’t been there.

“The challenges are always there and we’ve had some unique ones and the challenges up ahead will remain and we’ll need to confront them.

“But the club has always indicated they’re really confident in me and the rest of our coaches and our staff in where we want to take our players and the club.”

Beveridge, meanwhile, said he was “pretty confident” star Marcus Bontempelli would overcome an ankle injury to face St Kilda on Sunday.

Bontempelli trained away from the main group this morning, running on the boundary line outside his moon boot in straight lines.

“I don’t want him to do too much at all,” he said.

“It’s settled down and it’s not a major injury, he was able to play out the game.

“But it’s a Friday before a Sunday game, so if we cannot stir it up and if he recovers really well he’ll definitely play on Sunday.”

Beveridge said both Caleb Daniel and Tom Liberatore were on track to play, while veteran Dale Morris was “under consideration”.