Beveridge condemns player power amid contract controversy, Smith departure

“Player managers have got a lot of power.”

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge believes AFL clubs are somewhat compromised in free agency and trade markets, given the leverage held by player managers when negotiating deals for their clients.

The Bulldogs have been in the player movement spotlight all season, with stars Bailey Smith and Tim English being routinely reported to be on the move at the end of 2024, fuelling external speculation over the club’s performance and culture.

Part of the talk was put to bed during the week as English locked away a five-year deal to remain at the Whitten Oval in a surprise signing.

“They’re always big announcements,” coach Luke Beveridge told reporters on Friday.

“The player market is becoming freer and freer, the contract commitments are as tenuous and rubbery as they ever have been.”

“When someone’s coming out of contract, there’s usually a couple of factors at play, particularly with a young man who’s from another state.”

“We’ve been really invested in Tim as a person as much as a player, and that connection becomes ratified again.”

Asked whether clubs should somehow hold more power in negotiating player contracts and movements, Beveridge hesitantly agreed.

“I think that’s controversial,” he said.

“Over a period of time, the managers have been able to position their players in certain directions and make certain choices.”

“Ultimately when managers have got their own patch and their own portfolio of players, you’ve got to place them to maximise that portfolio.”

“It’s controversial challenging that because the player managers have got a lot of power.”

“If you asked me honestly would you like it… clubs having a little bit more control? It’d help. But I don’t see that happening in the near future.”

If any changes were to be made, it is unclear how they would manifest in the player market.

Leagues like the NFL allow clubs to place a ‘franchise tag’ on certain players, rendering them un-poachable for other clubs for the following season. This strategy lends itself to undesirable outcomes for all parties involved, however, with players sometimes holding out and refusing to play until a trade is made.

The Bulldogs face a relevant scenario this off-season as injured star Bailey Smith looks to explore his options.

While Luke Beveridge claims to have a strong bond with his 23-year-old midfielder, the situation is out of his control.

“There’s just too much to play out still… and sometimes there’s just no certainty from the other end,” the Bulldogs coach said.

“I don’t think players are necessarily in a position to tell their club if they are moving but when a player hasn’t told you that he’s staying, then as time goes on, you’re confidence levels start to wane a little bit.

“I’m not resigned to it… I’ve got a great relationship with Bailey so that’s not a concern of mine.”

For the upcoming clash with North Melbourne, the Dogs aren’t at risk of elimination with a loss, but like many other clubs, must simply win for their finals chances.

Newly contracted ruckman Tim English will be absent, raising the pressure on rising tall Sam Darcy to take the number one ruck mantle against one of the in-form players of the competition.

“Longterm, Sam’s going to a more imposing ruckman,” Beveridge declared.

“It’s a great opportunity for him to step up… whether it’s ideal or not it doesn’t really matter.”

“(Tristian) Xerri’s had an outstanding year and it’s no surprise that he’s being talked about as the possible All-Australian ruckman.”

“He played really well against us last time, so it’s a big challenge for us.”

Key forward Aaron Naughton will also play despite being subbed out of Sunday’s loss to Adelaide with a knee injury.

“He’s in pretty good order today, so he should train really well today and he’ll be ready to go Sunday,” the coach added.