An improved performance from the Western Bulldogs against Fremantle on Friday night was led by captain Marcus Bontempelli, however, the superstar Dog was clearly hampered by a leg injury.
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said the club would like to give Bontempelli (33 disposals, two goals and six clearances) time to rest his sore leg, but the Dogs' midfield depth is already under pressure with missing players.
"Positionally, our depth through that area is strained, when you consider Adam (Treloar's) worked through some stuff with his body and his availability is tenuous and obviously Tom (Liberatore) being out now with a knee and still the post-concussion stuff," Beveridge said post-match.
"Our depth through that midfield area is pretty thin right now even with Riley Garcia still some weeks away and Cody Weightman can play some minutes there."
"It would be nice to be able to (rest Bontempelli).
"I think quite simply with Marcus, we might need to rest him this week I don't know, but we won't take any risks if we think he is going to get sorer or reinjure something.
"He was quite outstanding for most of the game tonight. But the question is valid, you've seen him limp a bit, I saw him limp a bit as the game went on, you don't like to see that, so we will work on it during the week."
Beveridge also expanded on comments he made during the week about how reaction-based the AFL has become when it comes to rule changes.
The Bulldogs coach explained his position on the matter didn't come from selfish reasons, but rather a love for the game.
"I think ultimately, most of us are protectors of the players' interests," he said. "At this level but definitely at metropolitan and regional centres that play our game. Whichever direction we take the game, we have to cater for everyone who is playing it, not just our national competition.
"Sometimes simplicity can be brilliance. My message was mostly around how there can be clutter that we can work through just generally. I have got a conversation or two planned with the powers that will take place and we will have a good collaboration on a few things and hopefully I can help.
"Those of us who have been in the game long enough can help, because all we care about is the beauty of our game, its longevity and its durability. Any comment comes from the heart and the interests of anyone who loves the game, it's not out of self interest. It's got nothing to do with the club, our team or me. It's got to do with everyone."
