Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says recruit Josh Bruce needs better protection from umpires

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says he’s ‘really happy’ with his prized recruit, Josh Bruce and believes his slow start can be put down to getting a raw deal from the umpires.

Western Bulldogs Josh Bruce celebrates kicking a goal with Marcus Bontempelli during AFL match between the Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs at the SCG. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has defended the early season form of recruit Josh Bruce, suggesting the forward has been getting a raw deal from the umpires.

The former Saint has managed just two goals from four games this season but Beveridge said umpires need to come down harder on defenders who hold opponents off the ball.

“We played pretty average footy in the first two rounds and it wouldn’t matter who you were playing in that forward line it would have been extremely tough,” Beveridge said.

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Luke Beveridge is confident Josh Bruce will hit his stride.

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“We’re really happy with the way he finished off last week’s game.

“One of the things we’ve got to continue to address is freedom with forwards and being held by jumpers and arms around.

“We don’t send vision into the AFL, but Brucey is fighting through that at moment and I’ve got no doubt he’ll give everything required for the team on Saturday.”

Bruce will need to step up for the Bulldogs in the absence of injured forward Aaron Naughton, who will miss at least the next six weeks after undergoing ankle surgery.

“He’s really helped us the past few weeks present a united front and play some really good combative footy,” Beveridge said on Bruce.

“The spoils will come for him and he’ll kick some goals and take some big marks, and that’ll start to blossom at some point but we’re happy with the way he’s going about his business at the moment.”

The Dogs have called up Josh Schache.

Fellow forward Josh Schache has been brought in for his first senior game of the year against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

“Josh gets his opportunity and he’s been training well,” Beveridge said.

“He performed reasonably well against Collingwood last week in the scratch match, mainly in the second half as he finished off the game pretty well.

Easton Wood and Lin Jong also return for the Bulldogs.