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Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has lamented the ill-discipline that cost his side goals in the thrilling 13-point elimination final loss to Fremantle on Saturday night.
Despite leading by 41 points more than 20 minutes into the second term, the Dockers found a spark and kicked four quick goals to head into half time staring down just a 15-point deficit.
The first of those Dockers goals came from a Michael Walters free kick, as he had his arm grabbed by opponent Ed Richards.
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And with the momentum completely with the Dockers at half time, they went on with the match in the second half to stay alive in 2022.
“Being up by so much it was like death by a thousand cuts really,” Beveridge said post-match.
“We went away from some things that had served us well in the early parts of the game.
“As much as our guys hung in there, preserved through a period … ultimately it’s significant disappointment. It’s an opportunity missed.
“We got it incorrect for large periods of the second half and that’s as blunt as I can be.”
Beveridge said his side “lost our edge” on the scoreboard as ill-discipline played a part, “gifting” the Dockers goals.
Richards was chased down by Michael Frederick in the final term to gift Fremantle a goal from 20m out.
Josh Dunkley got involved in a wrestle with Docker Lachie Schultz as teammates including Adam Treloar came to assist, and with players distracted by the scuffle, Fremantle kicked a goal as the umpire simply threw the footy in and the Dockers played on.
“They were significant moments of the game,” he said.
“We’ve been a pretty disciplined side over the journey … but that wanting to go and fly the flag over the boundary in that situation – there was no doubt the ball was going to get thrown in so it was just a brain fade by all the guys who were in there.”
A costly 50m penalty for encroaching in the protected zone gifted Griffin Logue a goal early in the final term to give Fremantle the lead for the first time in the match.
“I didn’t see the subtlety in it, where he came from. If it was there, it was there,” Beveridge said.
“I’m more concerned in the kicks across the face of our forward line and our inability to keep the ball in there.
“But they’re still things that shouldn’t have happened.”
Beveridge said while his players were disappointed their season came to a grinding halt at Optus Stadium, he believed the club had plenty to look forward to for 2023.
“There’s a lot of work that goes in by all clubs to get an opportunity to play finals. There’s a really strong belief that we can do better,” he said.
“Coming out of last year I was hoping the trauma of the grand final wouldn’t have any lasting effects.
“I think we all self reflect and say ‘I can be more consistent, I can be better than I’ve been’ and that’s what we’ve got to strive to next year.”
Marcus Bontempelli was one of the Dogs shining lights, especially in the first half as he dominated across half forward.
He finished with 30 disposals, two goals, seven tackles and more than 630m gained for his side.
Jason Johannisen kicked two goals from his eight disposals in what could potentially be his last match for the Dogs.
Beveridge admitted Johannisen, Dunkley and a “few” other players were in the “same boat” as they weighed up their future now the season was over.
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