‘I’m Fully Committed’: Bulldogs Coach Luke Beveridge Quashes Speculation Linking Him to Demons

Luke Beveridge has dismissed any rumours regarding a potential move to coach another club in 2026, stating that if he’s not leading the Western Bulldogs, he won’t be involved with any AFL side.

The Bulldogs’ coach was mentioned in connection with Melbourne by Caroline Wilson, who indicated that the Demons were considering the premiership-winning coach following their sluggish 0-5 start to the season under Simon Goodwin.

Beveridge’s contract is set to expire at the end of 2025, and the club has yet to confirm a long-term commitment to his role.

However, Beveridge swiftly eliminated the notion of him moving to another club next season.

“I’m not sure where these rumours are coming from, but the players and my staff know that I’m fully dedicated to this club,” Beveridge informed journalists on Thursday.

“We approached this year with a mindset of discovery, aiming to determine what works best for everyone involved.”

“On a personal level, you won’t remain where you’re not appreciated. From the club’s perspective, they have to consider more than just my personal ambitions.”

“If I’m not coaching here next season, I won’t be coaching at any other club.”

Beveridge expressed his support for Goodwin to rectify Melbourne’s issues, despite their ongoing challenges.

“Simon has done a tremendous job at the Demons, and they’ll adapt and bounce back,” the Bulldogs coach noted.

“They’re undergoing a transitional phase, but Simon is both an exceptional coach and a wonderful human being.

“They have some promising young talent coming through and have been a bit unlucky with a few injuries.

“They will navigate their scoring challenges as they develop, and I have no doubt they just need a little patience.”

“Clubs often navigate challenging phases where they need to provide unwavering support to their personnel.

“Why wouldn’t you back Simon Goodwin? He has an excellent track record, and I truly believe they will emerge successfully from this situation.”

Regarding his own contract status, Beveridge mentioned that discussions had not yet progressed.

“The understanding between myself and the club as we entered the season was to take our time and figure out what would be best for both the club and myself, and that remains the case,” he explained.

“We haven’t initiated any formal conversations related to a new contract, and that’s not something we’ve tackled so far.”

This Sunday evening, the Bulldogs will play against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium, aiming to break a two-match losing streak.

Meanwhile, the Demons will face Fremantle, a team they have not managed to defeat since 2022.