Western Bulldogs’ Struggles with Injuries and the Need for Rest
The Western Bulldogs are currently facing a significant challenge as several key players continue to battle injuries, impacting their performance on the field. Coach Luke Beveridge has acknowledged the need to manage the workload of star player Marcus Bontempelli, who has been pushing through pain despite an ongoing knee injury.
Bontempelli, the team’s captain, showcased his exceptional skills in the Bulldogs’ 12-point defeat to Fremantle on Friday night. He recorded a game-high 33 disposals and two goals, demonstrating his value to the team. However, he spent a considerable portion of the last quarter on the bench, which raised concerns about his physical condition.
When Bontempelli returned to the field, he managed to kick a spectacular goal that gave the Bulldogs a fleeting chance of securing a win. Despite this, the coach is hesitant to rest him due to the team’s extensive injury list. Beveridge expressed his thoughts on the matter:
“It’d be nice to be able to do that,” Beveridge said. “With Marcus, we might need to rest him this week, I don’t know, but we won’t take any risks if we think he’s going to get sore or he’s going to re-injure something.”
He also mentioned observing Bontempelli limping during the game, which is a worrying sign. Beveridge noted that it’s challenging to ask the team to emulate Bontempelli’s relentless work ethic, as the player is known for his unwavering commitment.
Other Key Players Facing Challenges
In addition to Bontempelli, other prominent players are also dealing with injuries. Ed Richards, another star midfielder, has been playing while managing his own injuries. Meanwhile, veteran Tom Liberatore remains sidelined due to a knee problem following a concussion.
Adam Treloar, who made his return to the field in the previous match against Sydney, is still struggling to find his rhythm. The 33-year-old was listed as ‘managed’ for the clash with the Dockers, and his availability for upcoming games is uncertain. Beveridge described Treloar’s situation as “tenuous.”
When asked about whether Treloar had suffered another soft-tissue setback, Beveridge did not confirm or deny the possibility. He explained:
“We’ve just given him a few days,” he said. “It’s frustrating for him. His body’s letting him down a little bit. Unfortunately, he just hasn’t had any continuity and it’s been frustrating for him with his body.”
New Injuries and Recovery Plans
Fringe forward Laitham Vandermeer is expected to be out for an extended period after sustaining a hamstring injury during the match against the Dockers. This adds to the Bulldogs’ list of injured players, creating further challenges for the coaching staff.
However, there is some positive news regarding the team’s recovery efforts. Coach Beveridge expects ex-Gold Coast defender Connor Budarick to return from injury for the upcoming away clash with Port Adelaide next Friday night. This potential return could provide a much-needed boost to the Bulldogs’ lineup.
