Peter Gordon says Western Bulldogs were ‘embarrassed’ by GWS

WESTERN Bulldogs president Peter Gordon has slammed his side’s 82-point loss to GWS and denied any internal divisions at Whitten Oval.

Billy Gowers has a marking attempt spoiled by Jeremy Finlayson. Picture: Getty Images

PETER Gordon says the Western Bulldogs “embarrassed ourselves” with their 82-point thumping by Greater Western Sydney.

But Gordon has denied any internal divisions within Whitten Oval and has backed the coach and players to fight back against West Coast.

The Dogs president on Tuesday channelled pop star Taylor Swift, saying “haters were going to hate” over the club’s issues and poor start.

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He fiercely defended his club as he pledged the Bulldogs would try to sign up Tom Liberatore long-term.

The Herald Sun reported Liberatore was keen to stay, with his manager Tom Williams to meet new list manager Sam Power in coming days.

The horror loss saw Dogs coach Luke Beveridge admit the margin could have been greater, and Gordon didn’t sugar-coat the magnitude of the defeat.

“We embarrassed ourselves and we know that as a group,’’ he said.

“But we believe very strongly as a group we are better than that. It’s fair to say we didn’t see it coming but good teams fight back.

“I think it’s’ very important as a president to demonstrate support and commitment.

“I made sure I was on an early flight to be there and in the rooms afterwards to express my empathy and support to everyone.”

President Peter Gordon has backed the Bulldogs to bounce back. Picture: Getty Images

The Dogs continue to be the subject of internal rumblings, chiefly centred on the departure of list manager Jason McCartney and list manager Simon Dalrymple.

The pair did not get on and both ended up departing. Gordon denied that something was “not quite right” at the club.

Gordon has himself been locked in a damaging feud with club figure Susan Alberti, with half a dozen senior players in the VFL to start the season.

“We would have preferred to get a better results but I think it’s not a good idea when you have committed to the cause to listen to that outside noise and I don’t,’’ Gordon said on SEN.

“I am old and ugly enough to say if there was a significant internal division that I would tell you but I fundamentally, I don’t think there is.

“We have a great board, a great CEO, we have great coaches. I have been concerned about (footy boss Chris Grant’s) workload.

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge tries to urge his team. Picture: Getty Images

“Any organisation is going to have its ups and downs and as the Taylor Swift song goes, haters are going to hate.

“Both in the media and out there in the internet troll community, there will be people who will seize on any opportunity.

“Hand on my heart, our club is strong and united behind our players and Bevo and Ameet Bains and we will come back from this.”

He said any issues regarding McCartney and Dalrymple had no impact on the football department or on-field performances.

He said the club was shattered for Liberatore but determined to back him in with a new contract.

“I would like him to know and I am sure he does know we are all committed to making sure he has every chance to play for years and years at the Bulldogs.

“He belongs at the Western Bulldogs. We will be working with him to make sure that happens.”