Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says commentary that struggling midfielder Bailey Smith ought to search a transfer to a different membership is “pungent” and “disrespectful”.
Beveridge mounted a staunch defence of Smith, who he stated performed regardless of sickness within the Bulldogs’ 12-point loss to Collingwood on Friday and has the membership’s full assist as he tries to rediscover his finest type.
Smith was absent from the observe at Whitten Oval on Tuesday morning as he races the clock to recuperate from the sickness in time for Thursday evening’s conflict with the Swans on the SCG.
He managed solely 11 disposals towards the Magpies and is averaging solely six kicks and two clearances a sport during the last month.
Vision of the 22-year-old finishing excessive depth working drills at Marvel Stadium instantly after his 19-disposal effort within the spherical 14 win over North Melbourne sparked commentary that he wanted extra assist to search out type and ease the frustration over his performances.
Beveridge stated his relationship with Smith was in a “really good place” and was adamant the Bulldogs had been offering ample assist to the midfielder.
“All we’ve done here is look after Bailey, and yesterday him and I with our communications were in a really good place,” Beveridge stated.
“We’re hoping whether it’s this year or into next year that he finds his way to his absolute best, and we’ve just got to help him.
“He’s had some real challenges, he’s had injury, he’s had time out of the game, he’s been quite open with the mental health side of it … absolutely we all see the potential of a young man who should be a really influential player in the competition.”
Beveridge stated the Bulldogs had a observe file of serving to their gamers that made the hypothesis over Smith disrespectful to him and the membership.
“Speculation around whether or not he should be at another club or not, it’s just disrespectful,” he stated.
“We’ve got a really good track record here with our players and our program … sometimes, that just can be a bit pungent.
“I’m hoping he’s going to be able to train today, and he’ll give a good account of himself.”
Beveridge additionally supplied assist to struggling Dockers recruit Rory Lobb, who he stated was working exhausting to have a larger scoreboard impression after he was goalless towards the Magpies, leaving his tally at a meagre 14 objectives from 15 video games this season.
“He’s giving great support in the ruck … he’s become a bit of a role player more than anything,” Beveridge stated.
“He’s looking for more, and we’ll continue to pursue it with him.”
Beveridge stated Sam Darcy would enter the choice body for his seventh senior sport after he booted 4 objectives within the VFL towards the Magpies final week however added his lack of full sport time on the degree might work towards him.
“You know that what Sam’s capable of is going to help … we’ve just got to make sure we set him up to succeed,” Beveridge stated.
“There might be some risk in (picking him) … we may take it today, we’ll work through it after training.”
Beveridge stated he had “semi-written off” Ryan Gardner after a heavy knock towards the Pies, however the important thing defender can be assessed at coaching and remained an opportunity to face the Swans.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
