How ‘Big Four’ trade could save the Dogs as discontent derails a fading contender
The rumblings out of the kennel have grown louder as this form slump has dragged on, with disharmony reaching fever pitch after a shock loss to the hapless West Coast Eagles on Saturday.have been made aware of discontent among some senior players with decisions made by top brass, ranging from team selection through to off-field decision-making.
Beveridge, while accepting the onus was on him to get his side back to its best, seemed to lean towards the former when asked where it was all going wrong post-match. While numbers may not always tell the full story, the club’s list demographic screams of a side built to be contending for flags now. Cody Weightman’s output fluctuates wildly even by small forward standards, while the usually ever-consistent Jack Macrae was subbed out on the weekend.While the club’s malaise is frustrating, it must be noted Beveridge does his best work when his side is up against the wall.
With an emphasis on themed lead-ins over the years, Beveridge has proven one of the game’s great motivators. With the messaging out of the club, more coaching experience will likely be hunted by them in a bid to bolster Beveridge’s support and change the mix around him. Smith’s frustration with being played at half-forward has become well-known and those tensions are far from eased.
The Cats’ midfield brigade has struggled in 2023 and appears in desperate need of bolstering in this year’s trade period.Source: Getty Images You’d be hard-pressed to see the Dogs satisfied with pick No.8 given they drafted Smith with pick No.7 back in 2018.All of this, of course, is based on the possibility his frustration boils over and leads to a trade request, which is not a fait accompli.
The good news for the Dogs is that Josh Dunkley’s departure at the close of last season has left them with more cap space than they would’ve planned for and they could enjoy even more manoeuvrability depending on the pay deal being feverishly negotiated between the AFL and the AFL Players’ Association.
Bontempelli’s loyalty cannot go unmentioned, but neither can his extraordinary output in a side that is sorely lacking consistent excellence barring a few.Whatever the case, there are issues galore for Beveridge to sink his teeth into over the off-season.
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