Marcus Bontempelli hits out at fans who abused players after their loss to West Coast

As the Bulldogs stand behind Luke Beveridge after their horror loss to the Eagles, skipper Marcus Bontempelli has called out the fans who abused the players in the aftermath of the loss.

Luke Beveridge’s job has been guaranteed by the Western Bulldogs but football boss Chris Grant says the club will not shy away from “hard calls” post-season to improve the club’s failing fortunes.

It comes as captain Marcus Bontempelli said personal abuse from the club’s fan base on Sunday was “never justified” despite the horror nature of the loss to 18th-placed West Coast.

Beveridge has two more seasons left on his deal but as an “assisted” club relying on AFL funding he would have a six-month payout figure if the Dogs moved him on.

He said on Sunday night he was the man for the job and that position was backed by Grant despite a list identified as top-four calibre by CEO Ameet Bains under-performing this year.

Long-time assistant Rohan Smith has already been given his marching orders but there could be more coaching changes to a panel that includes the highly-regarded Brendon Lade, Matt Spangher and Marc Webb.

The Dogs have backed in Luke Beveridge. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

But the reality is the buck stops with Beveridge given the “consistent inconsistency” Grant bemoaned on Monday is down to a talented list not getting it done on match-day.

The Dogs must beat Geelong on Saturday night and hope GWS is defeated by Carlton on Sunday to sneak into the last spot in the eight.

Beveridge’s tactical tweaks this year have seen reduced output from Jackson Macrae, Bailey Smith and Caleb Daniel, with fans frustrated all have been played away from positions where they have thrived in recent years.

As Bontempelli backed Beveridge and said the losses were a “shared responsibility”, Grant said there was no prospect of the premiership coach being moved on.

“‘Bevo’ is hurting after yesterday and reflecting. But at the same time he has voiced real commitment to the role and we are backing him in,” Grant said.

“As far as we are concerned there is no chance of that happening but depending on how the end of the season finishes out wwe have to be very transparent and make hard calls where we need to and we will do those if we need to.

“It is the consistent inconsistency which has been the thing which has troubled us most through the year. There will be no full-blown review but the (inconsistency) and the ability of our players to perform at our best, we have been targeting that for a number of weeks now.”

Bulldogs players were abused as they headed down the race after the loss. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

He said the club had made the correct decision to extend Beveridge’s contract over summer.

“We remain very comfortable we have the right man to lead us through that but we have to have a good hard look at ourselves when it’s not going the way we want.”

Bontempelli’s backing for Beveridge was strong: “He does (have our support). It’s a shared responsibility and often he will take the rap for a poor performance and that’s who he is. He is a loyal person. He will support this player group to whatever lengths he can and we have to do that for him.”

The Brownlow Medal favourite was clearly disappointed by the fans who gathered at the Marvel Stadium race to berate the players after the loss.

“It’s never justified. You understand there are a wide range of people who support you and are emotionally invested in the game. You don’t accept it but you understand why people are so passionate. You want people to support you and be proud of your efforts. I understand it but I don’t accept it.”

Originally published as Marcus Bontempelli hits out at fans who abused players after their loss to West Coast