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Two more for Beveridge
Jon Pierik
Luke Beveridge is expected to break Ted Whitten’s record for most games coached with the Bulldogs, having signed a two-year contract extension.
Beveridge, who led the Dogs to the 2016 premiership, and into a grand final last year, inked a new deal this week that will keep him at the Whitten Oval until at least the end of the 2025 campaign.
He has already coached the club for 183 games, and is likely to break club legend Whitten’s record of 228 by the end of his deal.
Here I am: Luke Beveridge has signed a two-year contract extension. Credit:Getty Images
There had been no doubt Beveridge was staying, but the length of the deal had to be negotiated.
“The club means an enormous amount to me. It’s a great show of faith and support from the club to commit to me for another three years, in essence, to the end of 2025,” Beveridge said.
“I am really grateful for the support I’ve had along the way – so many good people have come and gone who influenced our program and helped me in my role.
“As much as there is the occasional speculation of me coaching elsewhere, I’ve never really thought about that. I’ve always wanted to be here. I’m absolutely invested and committed to our football club, mostly our people and everyone that supports us.
“Year-on-year we aim to be the best in the competition, and I am very much looking forward to leading the charge in the pursuit of future success for our club.”
The Bulldogs were beaten by the Dockers in this year’s elimination final, and have had an intriguing off-season, securing former Dockers forward Rory Lobb, former Carlton defender Liam Jones and a host of future first-round picks. However, they lost Josh Dunkley, Zaine Cordy and Lachie Hunter.
Beveridge, also a former St Kilda player, had been publicly linked to the vacant Saints role when Brett Ratten was initially sacked.
Bulldogs president Kylie Watson-Wheeler said Beveridge’s extension was a “significant moment for our football club and its people”.
“Luke’s passion for the club is evident, and his record speaks for itself, taking us to our first premiership in 62 years, while finding sustained success through his eight seasons at the helm,” Watson-Wheeler said.
“We are so fortunate to have a strong and committed leader driving the Western Bulldogs’ AFL team forward into the future, establishing an exciting playing group and building a culture that has helped the club’s brand grow and membership surpass 50,000.
“The decision to extend Luke’s contract was unanimously agreed by our board in conjunction with our CEO, Ameet Bains, and executive director of football, Chris Grant.
“There is plenty of excitement ahead for our members and fans, as we look forward to what the club can achieve together over the next three seasons.”
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