Kane Cornes has called the 2022 season of the Western Bulldogs a “disappointment” so far, saying Luke Beveridge has had a “very poor” year.
After an appearance in the Grand Final where it seemed likely that they would succeed at certain times, Beveridge’s team is now in a battle to play the final this season.
A 13-point loss to the Cats didn’t help Friday night, and they could be eliminated from the top eight on Sunday if Collingwood can beat Hawthorn.
His midfield is clearly the deepest in the competition, with players such as Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae, Bailey Smith, Tom Liberatore, Josh Dunkley and Adam Treloar, but they suffered a loss in disputed possessions (127-132) against a team of Geelong disappeared. Patrick Dangerfield.
The Dogs did record a limited away win (35-32), but it wasn’t enough to overcome a slow start at Marvel Stadium.
“What about the Western Bulldogs … their lineup is stacked. What a disappointment they have been this year,” Cornes told SEN’s Crunch Time.
“Last year they played a Grand Final, they are almost winning a Grand Final (in the middle of the third quarter) and this year’s performance has been really disconcerting.
“They lost against Adelaide (in round 6) and their victories have not come against high quality teams.
“Look at their lineup last night, they probably had six or seven of the top ten in the group in terms of the talent they have, especially in the middle of the field.”
He leaves the Port Adelaide Hall of Fame member questioning Beveridge and his decisions about the group.
The Bulldogs didn’t rush to start Friday night’s clash as they conceded the first six goals of the game, and the decision to drop ruckman Jordan Sweet also hurt the Dogs with Rhys Stanley one of the best of the Cats.
“I think Luke Beveridge has had a poor year, I think he has had a very poor year,” Cornes added.
“It started early, it started in the low season, there were some complaints from its players and it didn’t seem like a unified group to me, then the embarrassing situation a couple of times in their press conferences that just didn’t I understand, I’m not sure where your head space is.
“To come in last night only with (Tim) English, leave Sweet, the English preparation has not been great, I know it was great last week, but (un) a short break …
“So you have (Buku) Khamis in the ruck, I can’t understand it. three goals down (leading to one) loss of staff, a couple of handball reps, one to (Mitch) Duncan and one to (Brad) Close, just easy shots on goal.
“So their players are not on. I think it’s a great story, the teams that have won this year, Sydney was a big win in round 3, but they’ve been in the north, they’ve won at Essendon, they’ve beaten Collingwood, they’ve won at the Gold Coast Suns .
“So I thought it was a great night for them (Friday night) … I’d love to have their list. I know there are some shortcomings in the tips, I understand, but I’d love to have the talent they have on their list that other teams don’t. ”
The Dogs now face a rise to play in the finals, their hopes not being boosted by a series of six consecutive clashes with the top eight teams starting in round 16 against Brisbane.