Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge slams AFL for late substitution law

The debut of Adam Treloar for the Western Bulldogs against Collingwood is one of several fascinating subplots in the clash at the MCG on Friday night.

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says the new sub rule has been rushed through. Picture: Getty Images

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has issued a scathing critique of the substitution rule introduced on the eve of the 2021 season in a clear split from his coaching peers.

The 2016 premiership coach, whose Bulldogs play Collingwood at the MCG on Friday night, savaged the process behind the decision to use a 23rd man in 2021 as a substitute.

Beveridge described the rule change as a “massive headache” that had the potential to create “turmoil in the playing ranks”.

He also said the Western Bulldogs’ medical department was yet to be properly briefed about the rule just a day out from their opening clash and on the day Richmond and Carlton kicked off the 2021 season.

Watch the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. Every match of every round Live on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

“When you have the whole medical establishment not being briefed going into the competition, it has just been rushed through,” he said.

“If we have got to a stage where we are saying that more players will come out of the game through an injury or concussion than ever before, and we need to have an extra player on hand, then surely there were some other levers we could pull than just introduce a substitute player.”

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson, who Beveridge served an apprenticeship under, raised the prospect of a 23rd man during a conference call last Thursday which the Bulldogs coach was absent from.

Initially, it was believed the reserve system would see a player deployed to replace a concussed teammate.

But it was broadened to enable use for other medical issues, provided the injuries are serious enough to oust a player for at least 12 days.

There are concerns about the potential for the new rule to be exploited by clubs. Former North Melbourne legend Wayne Carey is among those who have voiced their concerns.

The AFL is backing the integrity of the doctors employed by sides to make correct assessments.

The league also has the option of issuing heavy penalties, including fines or the loss of premiership points or draft picks, should the use of the substitute be manipulated.

Beveridge believes the AFL, if it wanted additional coverage on the bench, should have introduced the substitute without any restrictions related to medical issues.

“The 75 interchanges are a constraint where I wouldn’t think any of us as coaches would want to use more than four on the interchange bench, because it means that players are off the ground for too long,” he said.

“So maybe they could have just added a fifth (player), where both teams have got the choice of introducing a player whenever they want, no matter whether there is injury. That creates a strategic aspect from a coaching and playing point of view.

“(But) what this sub now creates is a whole series of headaches for everyone. Not only (do) decisions have to be made on the day, but then the doctors will have to substantiate whether or not a player can play the next week if it was an injury through an administrative process that wasn’t there before.”

Beveridge is concerned about the potential for players who are named as substitutes to miss several weeks of football if not activated.

He said clubs would need to arrange additional training sessions in order to ensure substitutes who spend entire matches on the bench are match fit.

“Imagine the turmoil within the playing ranks as to who is that sub and does he miss out now on two or three opportunities to be in the team because he hasn’t played?” Beveridge said.

“It does create some people management headaches. (They) weren’t thinking about player welfare and the mental health side of the game as well. It just creates new layers in that regard.”

His agitation with the new rule aside, Beveridge is looking forward to seeing how the Bulldogs fare against fellow 2020 finalists Collingwood as the new season gets underway.

Former Magpie Adam Treloar, who was the victim of a messy exit from Collingwood last November, will debut for the Western Bulldogs against his old side in a fascinating subplot.

Earlier this week on Fox Footy’s AFL 360, the midfielder said he had a “fire in my belly” to excel at his new club after his dismay at being traded last year.

“I want this to be my best year. I want to show my stuff. I want people to come and watch the Western Bulldogs and watch me play,” he said.

“Physically, I’m at the peak of my powers. I feel like I can add a lot to the group and I feel like I can play my best footy going forward.”