LUKE Beveridge is ready to coach the Western Bulldogs with the highly-rated candidate an outstanding relationship-based coach, according to retired Hawthorn champion Brad Sewell.
Beveridge is regarded as the bolter in the race to succeed Brendan McCartney with his five AFL seasons yielding four Grand Finals (three premierships) and a preliminary final.
The 44-year-old spent the past three seasons with Sewell at the Hawks and is contracted to start as St Kilda’s director of coaching when he returns from an overseas family holiday this month.
The Bulldogs will consider Beveridge, Peter Sumich (Fremantle) and McCartney’s senior assistant Brett Montgomery
when formal interviews begin this week.
McCartney’s communication flaws and deteriorating dealings with players led to his demise, but Sewell said the Hawks “absolutely loved” playing for Beveridge.
“He’s very, very good with people,” Sewell said.
Brian Lake talks with assistant coach Luke Beveridge during Hawthorn training at Waverly Park. Picture: Michael KleinSource: News Limit
“A good indication is he spent quite a bit of time with the players the week post the Grand Final, which traditionally isn’t a place for the coaches.
“But he sort of poked his head in a few times and the boys really appreciated that. We obviously knew he was leaving, so it was a little bit two-fold but the boys really did love playing for him.”
Of the prime contenders at Whitten Oval, former Dogs player Beveridge has the most recent experience steering his own team.
He led St Bedes-Mentone to three-straight VAFA premierships from 2006-8 before spending two years at Collingwood, where he was seen as key to the Magpies’ development as they built towards the 2010 flag.
Sewell said Beveridge would have no trouble relating to the Dogs’ talent-laden young list.
“He had everyone really playing for him,” the dual premiership star said.
“He’s got the ability to gel with the senior players but he’s got young teenage boys as well, so he connects very well with the (younger generation).”
In charge of the Hawks’ backline, Sewell said Beveridge had to be credited for their standing as the league’s premier defence.
“He managed that really well, pulling all the guys together and it’s probably fair to say our defenders were the best defensive unit this year,” he said.
“They didn’t necessarily play on a man, they played as a unit and just worked really well together.
“I’m a huge wrap for Bevo. He’s got really good perspective and he’s managed his own teams and he’s just so good with people.”
Saints chief operating officer Ameet Bains expects Beveridge to be discussed by the Dogs but said he was on course to start at Seaford this month.
“I mean we rate him highly — that’s why we got him,” Bains said.
The Dogs’ selection panel — led by football director Chris Grant — hopes to unveil their new leader by November 17 (when the senior players start pre-season) but will not be rushed.