Heat on Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge intensifies after 'wasted' star requests trade
Matthew Lloyd has questioned coach Luke Beveridge's list management skills, after the Western Bulldogs went down to Hawthorn by 37 points in their elimination final on Friday night at the MCG.
Beveridge, who has never had his side finish in the top four, wasted opportunities to solidify his list during the season and get a second chance in September.
It has left Lloyd wondering if he's the right man going forward.
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"It's never ever balanced enough to get to a point to be top four," Lloyd said the club's roster.
"Where does (Jack) Macrae fit? Where does (Caleb) Daniel fit?"
The Bulldogs walk off after their elimination finals loss to the Hawks. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Lloyd compared the Bulldogs to the Hawks, praising coach Sam Mitchell for drilling a structure into his young side that everyone lives up to.
"(Hawks skipper James Siciliy) said, 'we've got so much clarity, we're all just so clear on what Sam (Mitchell) wants, from every role, the game style, how we attack, how we defend. We couldn't be clearer'," Lloyd said.
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"That's probably the part for me with the Western Bulldogs. I don't know what their team is, even going forward into next year."
Caroline Wilson agreed with Lloyd's assessment, urging the Dogs to reconsider whether they keep the 2016 premiership coach.
Tom Liberatore of the Bulldogs looks dejected after his side's loss to Hawthorn. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"I wouldn't be signing him now, no. Absolutely not," she said.
"We think they have a good list. Is it a top four list? I'm not sure."
It comes as Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith officially requested a trade on Monday, but didn't nominate a desired destination.
It's left Lloyd again questioning Beveridge's moves after Smith, who ruptured his ACL last off-season, was shifted from his role on the wing.
Bailey Smith and Luke Beveridge during the 2023 pre season. Getty
"What a waste to have this guy in your club for so long. I think the reason he left initially is he was played out of position," he said.
"He was ... a gun wingman, the best wingman-midfielder in the comp and he was on a half forward flank just losing confidence."
Smith has been heavily linked to a move to Geelong, with Hawthorn also a key player in the trade.
