The Western Bulldogs this week extended the contract of second-year coach Luke Beveridge from 2018 to 2020.
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Why?
Do the Dogs really think other clubs are head-hunting Beveridge after 18 months at the helm? They’re not.
Both Collingwood and Richmond extended their coaches’ contracts earlier this year, and then sat back while the media took pot-shots as their seasons turned sour.
The Magpies and Tigers can afford to pay out Buckley and Hardwick should the need arise - the Dogs don’t have that luxury. They’ve also got a young playing list that is already courting big-money offers from other clubs that need to be matched.
And they’ve got an autocratic president in Peter Gordon who can’t sustain a relationship with a CEO, and is likely to go the same way with Beveridge should the coach gain too much power.
Take a look at the shit-storm hanging over Punt Road, Doggies. It’s something you’re inviting, but not something you can withstand.