Bulldogs seek stability with call on Beveridge’s future
Anna Harrington |
Luke Beveridge remains the man for the Western Bulldogs after signing a two-year deal to stay on as coach, in a move the finals-chasing AFL club hopes can bring stability.
The Bulldogs have extended 2016 premiership mentor Beveridge’s tenure, already the club’s longest at 229 games, until the end of 2027, which would mark 13 seasons at Whitten Oval.
It means the club, currently sitting ninth at 6-6, can turn their focus to locking in out-of-contract captain Marcus Bontempelli while attempting to seal a finals berth and top-four spot.
“This extension – the result of a considered and communicative process – means our men’s footy program can progress with confidence and stability as we look forward to the second half of this season and beyond,” Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains said.
Beveridge, in his 11th year, was coming off contract at season’s end and both parties were comfortable with starting 2025 without a deal for next year.
Mere months ago, Beveridge, 54, and the Bulldogs were unsure if they were going to remain in partnership beyond this season, after a roller coaster past few years.
But amid an impressive start to 2025, Beveridge ruled out coaching any other club in April.
Beveridge, who does not have a manager, had regularly met with the Bulldogs’ hierarchy, before sealing his new deal midway through the season.
“I am honoured to renew my commitment to our great club beyond this year as I endeavour to be the best leader, ambassador and coach that I can be for our people, our members and those who support us,” Beveridge said.
Beveridge joined the Bulldogs at the end of 2014, made finals in his first season then won the club’s first premiership since 1954 with the drought-breaking triumph in 2016.
His first 10 seasons delivered seven finals campaigns.
The Bulldogs made the 2021 grand final but finished eighth a year later then missed the finals altogether in 2023, prompting an extensive review of its football department at the end of that season.
Last year, the Bulldogs suffered an elimination-final exit to Hawthorn, while midfielder Bailey Smith departed for Geelong, piling further pressure on Beveridge heading into his contract year.
But Beveridge has the Bulldogs at 6-6 and showing form that can match it with the AFL’s best, despite being without Bontempelli, Sam Darcy, Cody Weightman and Adam Treloar for various stints through injuries.
He has also had to manage the absence of former No.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan for the entire season to date due to personal issues.
Bulldogs president Kyle Watson-Wheeler hailed Beveridge as a “once-in-a-generation” coach.
“The considered process we have undertaken has resulted in the unanimous endorsement of the board and the unified belief that he is the best person to drive sustained success at the Bulldogs,” Watson-Wheeler said.
“As the game evolves, Luke continues to deliver a cutting-edge brand of footy and finds new ways to challenge and motivate our exciting playing group.”
The Bulldogs are expected to regain Darcy from a knee injury against St Kilda this Thursday.
AAP
