Luke Beveridge Treads Warily on Carlton Clash and Player Availability
luke beveridge left the Western Bulldogs with one clear selection issue ahead of Round 10 against Carlton on Saturday: an unnamed player is still being assessed, and his availability will be judged over the next week. Beveridge said there was no update on the day of his weekly press conference, so the club is still weighing whether the player can return to action soon.
Carlton On Saturday
The Bulldogs head into the matchup with a cautious plan. Beveridge said the club would “tread warily” because of the player’s history of being out of action at different times, and pointed back to a pre-season a couple of years ago when that player spent a whole pre-season in non-contact.
“We haven’t got an update for you today, so we’ll wait and see how he goes over the next week and what his availability will be,” Beveridge said. “I think because of his history, he’s been out of action at different times. He spent a whole pre-season a couple of years ago in non-contact, so we’ll tread warily.”
Beveridge On Michael Voss
Beveridge also addressed Carlton coach Michael Voss after his departure, saying it was sad when a coach finishes up in those circumstances. He described Voss as “unbelievably stoic” and “extremely resilient,” and said he had admired the way he handled it.
He said he waited a few days before sending Voss a message, then wished him all the best. Beveridge added that Carlton had not been beaten by much and that the ingredients and the essence of the Blues still had strength and capability. “Ultimately it’s just another example where you have to be on your toes against anyone, and we’ll definitely be on ours against the Blues on Saturday,” he said.
Treloar And The Knee
Adam Treloar is another part of the Bulldogs’ immediate picture. Beveridge called him “such an important contributor” and said the plan is for him to play, with state-league level next on the schedule after training.
That leaves the club managing two different return timelines at once. One player is being monitored over the next week before a call on availability, while another is set to re-enter group training over the course of the next two or three weeks because the knee is the main issue, with concussion secondary at the moment.
For the Bulldogs, the practical takeaway is simple: the Carlton side they prepare for on Saturday may not be final until the week unfolds, and Beveridge is not rushing the player at the center of the question. The coach has already signaled caution, and that kind of stance usually shapes selection right up to the last possible moment.
