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Luke Beveridge is confident he knows the way back to the AFL’s Promised Land.
But after Saturday’s 49-point loss to Melbourne, he’s much less certain about the make-up of the Western Bulldogs’ next premiership team.
As they have done for most of the season, the Dogs were inconsistent in the 15.10 (100) to 7.9 (51) loss at Etihad Stadium.
The appetite for contested ball that has been sporadic this season was on show, as the Bulldogs booted the first three goals of the game.
But as has been the case too often this year, Beveridge’s men went missing.
The Dogs slumped to a 4-7 record and appear destined to miss the finals for a second season since their drought-breaking premiership.
It’s been a big fall from the heights of 2016, but Beveridge is adamant he has a clear vision of the way back to the top.
“As far as a clear path, there are systems of defence and the way that we want to use the footy … we want to keep going down that track,” Beveridge said.
“But as far as who may be in the team that’s going to lead us to the Promised Land again there’s huge uncertainty.
“But we’ll keep seeing the good and the best in our players and try to win every week and believe we can.
“It’s just a little bit frustrating at times.”
On a big-picture level, Beveridge admitted some players didn’t handle the surprise premiership flag as well as they could have, but also added key injuries haven’t helped.
When it comes to specifics of his team’s ongoing poor performance, the coach said disappointing skills by foot, bad decision-making and a bit of youthful fatigue were all partly to blame.
The Bulldogs go into their bye week after the loss and Beveridge is hopeful a mental break will prove beneficial.
“I think in the back half of this season I still believe there’s no reason why we can’t pick it up and have a run at it,” he said.
“There’s still a glimmer there. People will say: ‘what are you talking about?’ But that’s the way I think.
“I think what we did in ’16 hasn’t done anyone a favour … because everyone just thinks they can win it every year.”
Tory Dickson is set for another stint on the sidelines after re-injuring a hamstring.
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