The Western Bulldogs didn't start the season in the way that they wanted to, losing to the Demons at the MCG on Sunday. The Dogs were well in the game for three quarters before the Dees ultimately ran away with it, leaving as 45-point victors.
Speaking post-game, Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge put the loss down to a team disconnect and being spread too far under the heaving Melbourne pressure. The premiership coach acknowledged how the Bulldogs were still in the game before the margin blew out significantly.
"We obviously kicked some points at the start of the last quarter, we were well in it," said Beveridge.
"For the margin to blow out by another five goals, and that's really what we've just spoken about post-game, is the most frustrating part after working so hard to get to this point and feeling like we're really prepared well for Round 1. That was the most disconcerting part of the afternoon."
One of the main topics of contention regarding the Bulldogs team selection is the decision for three-time All-Australian midfielder Jack Macrae to remain on the sidelines. Beveridge cleared the air on Macrae's omission, putting it down to his fitness.
Macrae had a stress-related femur concern throughout the pre-season along with a hamstring issue that kept him out of training for some time.
"We're just waiting till Jack's totally ready to perform at his absolute best with the ground cover. He's not far away," Beveridge said.
Another interesting choice from Beveridge was to start Caleb Daniel as the substitute in favour of some of the younger talent. The Bulldogs coach also mentioned that some of the players will be "frustrated by their performance" in the game against the Demons.
"CD (Daniel) with the roles and responsibilities, he plays them all pretty well. With the pre-season some of the guys have had, they weren't at their best today. Some of the boys have been at the top of their game really in recent times. Some of them will be frustrated by their performance today. He's just found himself out of the team. It's just part of it.
"Ultimately, the team and the ambition, we pick it with a view to challenge the whole competition. I felt today going into the game that we might really challenge Melbourne with our run and getting across the ground.
"It was a little bit of a surprise that we weren't able to do that. We'll process that during the week."
Beveridge added that both Macrae's selection in the side and Daniel's position in the team will be decided during the week.
With no certainty on Macrae's return, the Bulldogs will be looking for a different angle when they host the Suns in Ballarat in Round 2.
