Western Bulldogs coaching shuffle to keep club fresh in pursuit of more success

BULLDOGS premiership coach Luke Beveridge has shuffled his assistant coaches in an effort to keep the club fresh in its pursuit of more success.

Luke Beverage watches on as Bob Murphy trains at Whitten Oval. Picture: Nicole Garmston

BULLDOGS premiership coach Luke Beveridge has reshuffled the portfolios of his assistant coaches in an effort to keep the club fresh in its pursuit of more success.

Assistant coach Steven King confirmed the move to the Herald Sun.

“Bevo just wants everyone to keep developing, which is a great thing, and for us, it is good to keep us on our toes,” King said.

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As part of the changes, King will relinquish his midfield coach responsibilities and become defensive coach.

Joel Corey will move from stoppages to midfield coach; Daniel Giansiracusa has shifted from forwards coach to a stoppages role; Ashley Hanson will be responsible for the forwards, having last year led Footscray to the VFL premiership; Rohan Smith takes on a head of development role after four years in defence; while Chris Maple moves from head of development to coaching performance manager.

King said he was excited to be moving to defence, the club’s most experienced zone, after being involved with the midfield for five seasons

Travis Cloke trains with Luke Beveridge in the background. Picture: Nicole Garmston

“I’ve loved being a part of the mids, but I am looking forward to working with the backs now,” he said.

“Rohan Smith has done an amazing job in defence. The way they play for each other, not only the way they defend, but the way they bounce off and start attacking, has certainly been a springboard for the way we play.

“I walk into the most mature group in the club, with (Matthew) Boyd, (Dale) Morris, (Bob) Murphy, (Matt) Suckling, (Easton) Wood and (Jason) Johannisen.”

The full Bulldogs squad have been back in full work since Monday, with Jack Macrae saying the group knows how much hard work is required to put themselves into contention again next year.

“We are under no illusions, we know we are going to have to work just as hard, if not harder next year,” Macrae said.

“Clubs are going to come back better and fitter and strong.

“We are all up for the challenge. As great as last year was, if we let it slip, and we don’t put in the hard works, it won’t happen again. From what I have seen so far, it’s a very determined group.”

Stewart Crameri trains as Ashley Hansen watches on. Picture: Nicole Garmston