The Western Bulldogs insist the club has what it needs to succeed, but will take steps to put the pieces “in the right place” after findings of a six-week review.
After a season in which the club performed well below expectations, the Dogs commissioned a six-week review of their football department, with president Kylie Watson-Wheeler detailing the findings to members on Thursday.
Watson-Wheeler said the review, which “involved discussions with around 50 people within the Club and other senior football people within the AFL industry”, cited a need for “building” in multiple areas rather than significant overhaul.
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English looking sharp at training | 01:05
As part of implementing review findings, the Dogs have created a new role of General Manager of Football Operations, to be filled by Matt Egan, who will report to Executive Director of Football Chris Grant.
Grant will focus on more wide-ranging issues, while Egan will focus on aspects such as coaching, physical performance and player welfare.
The club also says it will “implement a clearer demarcation of reporting lines” with particular emphasis on the “coaching structure”.
It comes amid external pressure on coach Luke Beveridge to bring his side further up the ladder, with the 53-year-old contracted until at least the end of 2025.
Egan recently joined the Dogs, while Daniel Pratt was another to come on board.
Grant has publicly backed Beveridge in as the club’s senior coach until at least the end of 2025.
