“Bizarre to me”: Beveridge responds to Draper’s strange comments that left Essendon “extremely alarmed”
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has responded to Sam Draper’s “bizarre” suggestion that several of his players would leave the club should Beveridge remain as coach.
Beveridge confirmed a “pretty alarmed” Essendon had reached out after being made aware of the comments from their ruckman on the 200 Plus podcast and apologised.
Draper – while role-playing a journalist - last week told his podcast: “I’ve got a big call about the Doggies.
“If Bevo is still there, there will be some players requesting trades.
“I’ll name names. Caleb Daniel, Bailey Dale, (Jack) Macrae.”
All three Bulldogs stars have spent time outside of Beveridge’s best 22 in 2024. But alas, it’s highly unusual for a rival player to comment on trade speculation, and even more so to lead it.
Beveridge was asked about Draper’s sentiment during his weekly press conference on Thursday morning and tried his best to bite his tongue.
“It was bizarre to me. I’m not going to say anything about it, really, because I think that the people who became aware who are close to him, the football club, (were) extremely alarmed and reached out to me to express their apologies,” the 2016 premiership coach said.
“But ultimately as I’ve said in the past, my number one concern is our players and taking care of them and (making them feel) supported. I suppose the critical lens that is aimed at them from week-to-week, I’m always happy when they’re in a good space.
“When something like that happens in regards to me I can deal with it. But it’s unusual.”
Beveridge was also asked how he would act if one of his players made those comments about another club.
“I didn’t really want to say too much about it… we all think certain things at times and probably with the emotions of the game we’re connected to many, many people across the code,” he continued.
“But to express them in the public domain, normally we don’t. This is normally one where I’m sure that he’s had a think about it and maybe he wouldn’t do it again, I’m not sure. ”
Draper also said last week that Bailey Smith was “gone”. Smith remains one of the game’s biggest out-of-contract names and has been linked to a trade to the likes of Geelong, Collingwood and Hawthorn.
“I think there are a few people saying it and I suppose when someone like Bailey who is an attractive commodity… for anyone in the competition, he’s out of contract so it’s only natural that there will be speculation about his future and others,” Beveridge said to Draper’s Smith comments.
“It’s part of the process and the good thing is Bailey is back running on the grass now… feeling pretty good about himself and he's progressing, and that will help with his peace of mind and feeling really positive about his return, which will obviously be next year.”
Beveridge added his confidence hadn’t wavered on keeping Smith at the club.
Draper’s comments came a fortnight after Essendon upset the Western Bulldogs by 29 points in a clash Draper played in, Daniel was omitted for and Dale was made the starting substitute.
Daniel, an All-Australian in 2020, won back his spot last week, while Dale enjoyed a career-best game in the week after he returned.
Beveridge entered 2024 contracted for two more seasons but also the most under-pressure coach in the game after missing the eight in disappointing circumstances the year prior.
The Bulldogs have a 3-4 record heading into Round 8 against Hawthorn, although their percentage is sixth in the competition.