Luke Beveridge insists he by no means critically thought-about shifting to a rival AFL membership earlier than agreeing a brand new deal that may make him the Western Bulldogs’ teaching video games document holder.
Beveridge, who had one season left to run on his present contract, this week signed a brand new two-year settlement that may hold him at Whitten Oval till the top of 2025.
It got here regardless of hypothesis linking Beveridge to his former membership St Kilda, who sacked Brett Ratten in October and introduced again Ross Lyon as coach.
Essendon, Greater Western Sydney and North Melbourne additionally had senior teaching vacancies this yr.
But Beveridge, who led the Bulldogs to their drought-breaking 2016 premiership, stated switching golf equipment was “never a factor” in his thoughts “this time around”.
“It was probably about five years ago where there were some possibilities,” Beveridge instructed reporters on Friday.
“But ultimately I’ve always wanted to stay here as long as I can and push the boundaries on what we’ve wanted to achieve and see it through.
“Loads’s modified since I began, so you’re feeling such as you’ve actually obtained your palms within the clay, and I do not need to stroll away earlier than I’ve completely expended what I can.
“I feel like I’m just getting started.”
If Beveridge sees out his new cope with the Bulldogs, he’ll surpass membership legend Ted Whitten’s document mark of 228 video games on the helm.
The 52-year-old has coached 183 video games since taking the reins in 2015, within the course of turning into the primary man to guide the membership to 2 grand finals.
He has a 56.8 per cent successful ratio – higher than any Bulldogs coach who has lasted greater than two seasons.
“The energy’s still there,” Beveridge stated.
“I’m absolutely invigorated and looking forward to the next challenge.”
The Bulldogs misplaced 2022 finest and fairest winner Josh Dunkley to Brisbane within the low season however have bolstered their key place shares with Liam Jones and Rory Lobb.
Those acquisitions, plus the continued improvement of rising skills like Sam Darcy and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, have given Beveridge a bullish outlook.
It follows an embarrassing fade-out in final season’s elimination last defeat to Fremantle, throughout which the Bulldogs threw away a 41-point lead.
“The disappointment has, in a sense, been left behind, but it’s in the subconscious,” Beveridge stated.
“That gives us a belief that we absolutely left something out there, so we’ve got to make sure that ’23 is a year when we maximise our potential.”
