Tension escalated for the Western Bulldogs ahead of their crucial match against the Fremantle Dockers on Sunday after two Dockers officials were noticed watching their training session at the Whitten Oval. The incident unfolded on Friday, when former AFL player Sam Naismith, now employed by Fremantle, was asked to leave the grandstand alongside a colleague after Bulldogs assistant coach Daniel Pratt approached them.
The unusual scene occurred roughly 30 minutes into the Bulldogs’ training. Coaches observed the presence of the Fremantle officials and promptly alerted the club’s media team. According to a Bulldogs staffer speaking to News Corp, “It happens a fair bit, but clubs don’t usually send a 206cm guy,” referring to Naismith’s notable height.
With both teams vying for a spot in the finals, this match holds significant weight. A defeat could potentially eliminate the Bulldogs from the top eight, especially if the Gold Coast Suns secure a victory against Port Adelaide on Friday night and then face Essendon next Wednesday in a rescheduled match.
During a press conference earlier that day, Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge emphasized the high stakes of the game. “There’s always pressure regardless of the sheep stations we play for,” he stated. He added, “One team, one club, one supporter base will be bitterly disappointed on Sunday afternoon, and we plan for it not to be us.”
Beveridge described the match as a “great opportunity” to engage in the finals series, expressing confidence in his players’ ability to tackle the pressure. “They met the challenge head-on last year, and I have no doubt they will again on Sunday,” he remarked.
As the Bulldogs aim for their fifth consecutive win, Beveridge made a strategic decision by opting not to include All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar in the squad. Treloar, who recorded 40 possessions in the VFL last weekend after recovering from a calf injury, has made only four appearances in the current season. “We’re a bit gun shy with him coming out of the game at AFL level early in the last one he played,” Beveridge explained, underscoring the need for caution.
Beveridge acknowledged Treloar’s desire to return to the AFL quickly, stating, “We understand that when he’s fully fit, he’s in our first handful picked.” He affirmed the focus on ensuring Treloar can handle the physical demands of the game before making a final decision.
The Bulldogs are poised to make adjustments as they prepare for the Dockers, with Beveridge confident in the team’s readiness and form. “We believe we can win in different ways, but we need to make adjustments and evolve with what Fremantle are throwing at us,” he concluded.
As the countdown to the match continues, the atmosphere surrounding the Bulldogs intensifies, making their upcoming clash against Fremantle a pivotal moment in their season.
