Luke Beveridge, head coach of the Western Bulldogs, is ruffling some feathers. He has made a big call to drop the team’s key defender Liam Jones ahead of their clash against GWS Giants this week. This unanticipated choice sent shockwaves through the industry and has sparked impassioned debates between fans and experts ever since. It’s a testament to Beveridge’s willingness to embrace radical change when called for.
Mitch Cleary was the first to report the news of Jones’s omission in social media on Thursday. The move comes as a stunning surprise, considering Jones has long been one of the chief masterminds behind the unit’s defensive foundation. It’s going to suck not having his presence on the field during the showdown against the Giants. It’s the AFL debut for Jedd Busslinger of the Bulldogs! He’ll play an extremely important defensive role, which would make this selection all the more exciting when we look at the narrative.
Beveridge’s track record of peculiar draft picks needs no rehashing. He certainly made headlines when he axed big names Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel. Fans were sent into a tizzy, lots of praise, lots of outrage at fan service decisions or lack thereof. The coach’s unconventional moves have had a hit-or-miss track record. Arguably their strongest tactical move last year was playing Bailey Dale as a forward in Round 5. Dale’s response in Round 6 was a sight to behold, with the 27-year-old notching up 39 disposals, 15 marks and one goal. This performance was a perfect example of how Beveridge’s controversial decisions can work out well for the team.
The decision to drop Jones has been brutally received by much of the fan community. Legal advocates, including some directly involved with the litigation, have expressed the chilling fallout from this decision. They pointed out the recent track record of players who have made their debuts under Beveridge’s tutelage. Notably, Hogan impressed in Round 4 with nine goals against West Coast while playing against first-gamer Sandy Brock.
The Bulldogs, led by captain and Brownlow Medalist Marcus Bontempelli, are now preparing to face the GWS Giants. After a gritty, defensive setting against Adelaide, the palms are again on Beveridge to justify his selection decisions. That’s fewer than the Giants scored in the opening half of that game. This flaccid showing raised concerns about their offensive potency as they got set to host the Bulldogs.
