Luke Beveridge needs a return to the grit that kick-started the Western Bulldogs’ AFL season once they host prime facet Collingwood in a blockbuster Friday night time conflict.
After dropping three video games, the Bulldogs have received their final two and can fancy themselves towards the Magpies in entrance of a sold-out Marvel Stadium crowd.
Bulldogs defender Ed Richards returns from a hamstring damage, whereas Collingwood will probably be with out injured duo Brayden Maynard and Brody Mihocek.
The huge inclusion for Collingwood is star utility Jordan De Goey, who returns from his three-week suspension.
Beveridge has famous his facet’s excellent round-three win over Brisbane on the identical venue, once they had been in early-season hassle.
They had come off strong losses to Melbourne and St Kilda, with the efficiency towards the Saints particularly disturbing the Bulldogs.
But Jamarra Ugle-Hagan famously responded to racist abuse from a fan the week earlier than with 5 targets and the Bulldogs upset Brisbane by 14 factors.
They are actually sixth and a win over Collingwood may put them into the highest 4.
“Friday night lights and playing the ‘Pies – what another great opportunity,” Beveridge mentioned on Thursday.
“We feel like beating Brisbane at Marvel … how dour we were and committed we were, it’s set us off on a pretty good path.
“If we are able to problem the ‘Pies, that can give us some extra perception.”
Richards has not played since round 12 and Beveridge is confident the speedy backman is ready, despite being slightly ahead of schedule.
“It is a fraction early … he is ticked every little thing off, he is labored extraordinarily exhausting and he is executed sufficient coaching in his preparation to be prepared,” Beveridge mentioned.
“Ed does not lose a lot – he is excessive in endurance and velocity, so hopefully we do not get any recurrences.
“It’s the first significant soft-tissue (injury) for him.”
This would be the first time the 2 sides have performed because the Bulldogs beat Collingwood by eight targets in spherical 9 final season.
“It’s a good test for us, to see how we come up,” Beveridge mentioned.
While Collingwood’s assault will miss Mihocek, Beveridge famous it’s higher than the sum of its elements.
“We’re going to have headaches with the blend down there,” he mentioned.
“It’s probably a smaller, agile, nimble forward line than some other teams, where you can’t necessarily hang your hat on having anchor key forwards who you can play against.
“So we’ll have to do it our personal means.”
Likewise, Beveridge said the Bulldogs needed to be careful with how much attention they devote to in-form utility Nick Daicos.
“The necessary factor is no matter you do, it does not pull you aside,” Beveridge mentioned.
“So you point out Nick Daicos and also you go to Jordan De Goey in one other breath – it’s important to set your sights on the collective.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
