Western Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains has addressed recent speculation of a frayed relationship between coach Luke Beveridge and football boss Chris Grant.
A recent report suggested the pair's strained connection was compounded by the departure of assistant coach Rohan Smith, who Beveridge wanted to keep at the Kennel.
A review into the club's football operations over the off-season also led to a pivot in Grant's duties, which the report pointed to as a result of the Dogs' plans to further separate Beveridge from reporting to his direct head.
Off-season addition Matthew Egan had earned a promotion to a new football operations role as a result of the review, with his switch from coaching and performance manager coming as the club looks to further support Grant.
Confirming Grant remains in charge of the club's men's football program, Bains toldย AFL.com.au that any rumoured rift or tension between Grant and Beveridge was "incorrect".
"Any suggestion there is an unworkable breakdown in any relationships, including that of Chris and Luke, is frankly incorrect, as is any suggestion that role changes have been made on this basis," Bains told the publication.
"Chris and Luke have worked together for a very long time and together, along with others, have presided over the most successful on-field period in the club's history. This couldn't happen without a strong and productive relationship.
"The club was obviously disappointed with how the 2023 season ended and the process undertaken is well-documented. Within that process there are natural tension points across our football program and the club has worked through that over the summer in making the change we feel will deliver us success."
While external pressure has continued to mount on Beveridge ahead of his 10th season at Whitten Oval, internally the club is only in further agreement that the premiership coach is their man for the future.
The recent reviews into the club have recommended Beveridge, who is contracted until the end of next year, remains at the helm given the support network and belief beneath him.
"The club's view hasn't changed that Luke Beveridge is the right coach. The process of the end of year internal review reinforced that," Bains added.
"The major reasons behind that remain a belief in his capability as the coach of the football club from all the key people, but most importantly, the faith and belief that the playing group and the football department staff have in him as our senior coach.
"Ultimately, all the changes that we made are designed to not only bring out the best in the program but to do what strong clubs do, and that is to support their people in the best way possible. That is obviously of utmost importance for our most senior people, the coaching being one of those. We feel as part of the decisions we made, the club is better supporting the program and Luke personally to be the best he can be."
The Bulldogs missed the top eight cut-off for just the third time in Beveridge's reign last year, with another disappointing campaign likely to increase the pressure on the 53-year-old throughout 2024.
Among other major talking points at the Western Bulldogs this year is the club's plans to retain free agent ruckman Tim English beyond this year.
The All-Australian tall is expected to garner high levels of interest from West Coast, who could be plotting a lucrative move to lure the Dogs star back to his home state.
While a decision from English isn't expected until the second half of the year, the Dogs' list management team - headed by Sam Power - are in continued dialogue with English's management.
"There is definite confidence that Tim will remain at the Bulldogs. Sam Power continues to have ongoing and current discussions with Tim's manager, Andrew McDougall," Bains toldย AFL.com.au.ย
"We haven't received any indication other than Tim being happy at the club. We hope that our program rebounds (and) that will give not only Tim, but all of our players, confidence in the long-term on-field future of the club too."
The Western Bulldogs are set to open their 2024 season against Melbourne come Round 1, with a pair of pre-season meetings with Hawthorn to come in the build-up.
