Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes believes Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge faces “significant pressure” after his side’s season ended on Saturday night at the hands of Fremantle.
Up by 41 points early in Saturday’s Elimination Final loss, the Bulldogs would go on to concede 11 of the last 13 goals as the Dockers ran out 73-60 winners at Optus Stadium.
While they were away from home, Cornes said pre-game that the Bulldogs had “no excuse” if they were to lose given that they had what appeared to be a “stronger lineup” on paper compared to their opponents.
Considering the way the side fell away late in the 2021 Grand Final as well, Cornes believes the Bulldogs have “some big questions” to answer after another September fade-out.
“For the Western Bulldogs, you’re 19 points up in the Grand Final in the third term last year and lose by 74 points,” Cornes said on AFL.com.au’s The Round So Far.
“Then today (Saturday) you’re up by 41 in the second quarter and you concede 11 of the last 13 goals and lose.
“They’ve got some big questions they need to answer at the Western Bulldogs and Luke Beveridge will be under significant pressure heading into next season.”
With the Bulldogs perhaps getting ahead of themselves while holding leads in their last two finals, Cornes highlighted one moment that proves that may be the case.
Up 40 points in the second term, Cornes found vision of Zaine Cordy pointing to the scoreboard after getting into a scuffle with second-gamer Jye Amiss, something he labelled “embarrassing” after the Dockers came back to win.
“Not sure what else he’s pointing to there,” Cornes said.
“I think he’s pointing to the scoreboard there at 42-2 and it’s an embarrassing moment for him and an embarrassing moment for his teammates to go back and review that vision when you choke up that lead.
“Not the kind of stuff you want to be highlighted for.”
The Bulldogs’ season is now over while the Dockers play Collingwood in a Semi-Final matchup next Saturday night at the MCG.