The Western Bulldogs are poised to re-sign coach Luke Beveridge, according to a Herald Sun report.
The report indicates that football boss Chris Grant and CEO Ameet Bains will recommend the decision to the board before the start of the season.
David King feels that Beveridge’s tenure at the Dogs has been a mixed one, but agrees that extending him is the right call.
“I think the responses we’ve got this morning are proof that he polarises people,” King told SEN Breakfast.
“Where do you sit with the list because let’s start with what he has got to work with because I think that midfield has been as good as any we’ve seen.
“The simple answer is they haven’t finished a home-and-away season in the top four for a decade.
“And everyone says ‘oh but they made the Grand Final’ … that’s the discussion. I’m not bagging the rap sheet, but what I’m saying is – top four is the measurement isn’t it?
“I think that if you’re going to win the flag you’ve got to finish in the top four at the end of the home-and-away.
“They have proven that’s not the case in 2016, but that’s an outlier isn’t it. And the counterargument is they were top two for all of 2021 before losing their way in the last month.
“I think he’s an outstanding coach and a great motivator. I think the support crew weren’t what they needed last year.
“If he’s your man, you have to get the deal done before the season starts. You don’t want it to be a distraction going into the first month of the season.
“If you’ve got a good one, you wouldn’t be letting them go. It’s hard to find great coaches. You’ve got a premiership coach in your premises right now. There’s no need to rush him out the door.
“It’s tracking towards another premiership opportunity in 2023. I’m not sure why the slows are on him from the fanbase.”
The Western Bulldogs have had an off-season of change on and off the field.
They’ve added key position pillars Rory Lobb and Liam Jones, while losing Josh Dunkley, Lachie Hunter, Zaine Cordy and Josh Schache.
The Dogs have also bolstered their coaches box, adding Brendon Lade from St Kilda.