Coach Beveridge re-signs with Bulldogs
Premiership coach Luke Beveridge has finalised a new two-year contract with the Western Bulldogs, keeping him at the Whitten Oval until the end of 2025.
Beveridge was due to come out of contract at the end of next AFL season but the Bulldogs have moved to lock him in before 2023 begins.
The 52-year-old will front a press conference at the Bulldogs’ headquarters on Friday where he will likely be asked about interest from rival clubs.
“It’s a great show of faith and support from the club to commit to me for another three years, in essence, to the end of 2025,” Beveridge said via a statement on Thursday night.
“I am really grateful for the support I’ve had along the way — so many good people have come and gone who influenced our program and helped me in my role.
“As much as there is the occasional speculation of me coaching elsewhere, I’ve never really thought about that. I’ve always wanted to be here.
“I’m absolutely invested and committed to our football club, mostly our people and everyone that supports us.”
Beveridge started his senior AFL coaching career with the Bulldogs in 2015, having immediate success with the perennial battlers.
After a surprise finals berth in his debut season, Beveridge led the Bulldogs to just their second VFL/AFL premiership — and first in 62 years — when they defeated the Sydney Swans in the 2016 grand final.
Beveridge is already the most successful coach in Bulldogs history with 104 wins and will overtake the legendary Ted Whitten’s games record of 228 by the end of 2025.
“This is a significant moment for our football club and its people,” Bulldogs president Kylie Watson-Wheeler said.
“Luke’s passion for the club is evident and his record speaks for itself, taking us to our first premiership in 62 years, while finding sustained success through his eight seasons at the helm.
“We are so fortunate to have a strong and committed leader driving the Western Bulldogs’ AFL team forward into the future, establishing an exciting playing group and building a culture that has helped the club’s brand grow.”