Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has signed a two-year contract extension to remain at Whitten Oval.
Under the pump for much of the 2023 and 24 campaigns, Beveridge has been rewarded for getting the Bulldogs into last year’s finals and their bright start to this season despite a lengthy, star-studded injury list.
Luke Beveridge will stay in charge of the Western bulldogs for two more seasons.Credit: Getty Images
The new deal means Beveridge will coach into a 13th season, giving him the chance to have success with a team that he has played a big part in rejuvenating over the last 12 months.
Beveridge, who coached the club to a historic flag in 2016, had been under pressure for his job after the Dogs failed to qualify for September in 2023 then started slowly last year to be 3-5 before storming into the finals in the second half of the campaign.
Luke Beveridge led the Bulldogs to a grand final in 2021, but they were overrun in the second half by melbourne.Credit: Getty Images
He made bold changes to the team, such as reducing the roles of premiership heroes Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel, and switching forward Rory Lobb into defence.
“It is the right time to thank the playing group and our staff for their commitment to growth and their willingness to explore their best and discover the possibilities outside of their comfort zone,” Beveridge said in a club statement.
“The evolution of our people in recent times has been quite dramatic with the promise you see in each other starting to shine through.
“I appreciate the ongoing collaboration and support Kylie, Luke (Darcy) and Ameet (Bains) provided as we sought to establish stability and a meaningful strategic foothold that will set us up for our next successful period.
“I am honoured to renew my commitment to our great club beyond this year as I endeavour to be the best leader, ambassador and coach that I can be for our people, our members and those who support us.”
Despite missing stars such as Marcus Bontempelli, Sam Darcy, Adam Treloar and Cody Weightman for large chunks of the season, the Bulldogs have been in the eight for much of this season, though they presently find themselves ninth after losses to Gold Coast and Hawthorn in the past two rounds.
Beveridge is already the Bulldogs’ longest-serving coach, recently overtaking club legend Ted Whitten’s record of 225 games.
More to come
