'I'm totally invested here': Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge shuts down rumoured link to Demons
Luke Beveridge has shut down all speculation about potentially coaching elsewhere in 2026, saying if he's not at the Western Bulldogs he won't be at any AFL club.
Beveridge was linked with Melbourne by Caroline Wilson, who said the Demons had the premiership coach on their radar amid their 0-5 start to the season under Simon Goodwin.
The Dogs coach is out of contract at the end of 2025, with the club yet to commit long-term to his services.
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But Beveridge was quick to rule out the possibility of being elsewhere next season.
"I don't know where it's come from, but ultimately our players and people that I work with understand and know that I'm totally invested here," Beveridge told reporters on Thursday.
"We went into the year just feeling our way through and understanding that we've got to find what's right for everyone.
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"On a personal note, you don't stay where you're not welcome. From a club perspective, they've got more to consider than just my personal interests.
"And ultimately if I'm not coaching here next year, I won't be coaching anywhere else."
Beveridge is also backing Goodwin to right the ship at Melbourne, despite its continuing struggles.
"Simon has achieved a lot at the Demons and they'll evolve and come again," the Bulldogs coach said.
"They're going through a period of change, but he's an outstanding coach and he's an outstanding person.
"They've got some kids coming through and they've been stiff with an injury or two.
"They'll find a way through their scoring as they evolve, but I've got no doubt they just need a bit of patience.
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge speaks to media. Western Bulldogs
"Teams and clubs go through these periods where they need to be strong and they need to back their people in.
"And why wouldn't you back Simon Goodwin in? He's got a terrific track record and I believe that they'll come good."
On his own contract situation, Beveridge said talks were yet to advance.
"The agreement between myself and the club to enter the season just feeling our way through what's going to be right for the club and me, that prevails," he said.
"We haven't had any formal talks about a new contract or anything like that. That's something that hasn't been discussed at this stage."
The Bulldogs will face St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Sunday night, looking to break a two-game losing streak.
The Dees, meanwhile, will take on Fremantle, a side they have not beaten since 2022.
