Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says he’s moved on from last week’s explosive press conference rant and denies he’s struggling to cope with the rigours of AFL head coaching.
Beveridge unleashed on former Fox Sports journalist Tom Morris, with the Bulldogs coach frustrated that the reporter had broken a team selection story in the lead-up to the game.
Morris was sacked less than 48 hours after the exchange due to an unrelated matter after two videos surfaced on Twitter of him making offensive remarks.
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Following Beveridge’s controversial comments, which resulted in the club donating $20,000 to a youth mental health organisation, the Bulldogs coach apologised in a video statement.
But speaking publicly for the first time since, Beveridge said he was focused now only on the Bulldogs’ clash with Carlton in round two.
“I put the statement out and tried to move on pretty quickly. I get that it lingers a little bit and I understand that,” Beveridge said.
“I’m really good. I’m energised and really looking forward to Thursday night.
“We did a lot of things pretty well against the Demons, we won some areas that they totally pantsed us in last time, and so that gives us some encouragement going into the game against Carlton. But personally I’m good and just looking forward to round two.”
Beveridge didn’t want to speak on whether he had spoken to Morris.
“We’d rather leave it where it is, based on everything that’s happened to him,” Beveridge said.
“There’s nothing to be gained by pouring any petrol on what’s already happened.”
Leading AFL reporter Caroline Wilson questioned whether Beveridge was fit “to be looking after the futures” of his players in the wake of his outburst, and said her sentiment was shared by the Bulldogs.
“We’ve just got to cop it on the chin but it’s far from the truth. I’ve never been fitter, never felt healthier,” Beveridge said.
“I know I’ve been reasonably vocal around what some of the soft-cap cuts have done, and now’s not the time to talk about that again. But that’s more about my concern for the code and industry, not my domain, (but) probably a bigger-picture consideration.
“But personally I’m fine. I swam in the bay yesterday, rode on the ergo this morning, spent a lot of time on Carlton and strategy yesterday to best prepare us for Thursday night.
“We’ll put a really strong team out there, and I couldn’t feel more passionate about what I do and the players and I have a really strong connection, and that’s the real thing that matters.
“I don’t want it to be construed about the soft-cap stuff that I’m not getting support. I get great support. Our people do an amazing job. We’re going well internally and I’m fine.”
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