AMID constant speculation about unrest within the club, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has once again dismissed the talk and put it down to the poor performances of his side this season.
Just weeks after reports surfaced the club tried to trade forward Luke Dahlhaus last year, came suggestions there are fractures in the playing group, and as a consequence the team is faltering on the field.
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Facing the media on Saturday morning ahead of the round three clash with Essendon on Sunday, Beveridge was adamant there are no divisions amongst his winless side.
"I'm just trying to pour cold water on (the speculation) because it's just ridiculous," Beveridge said.
"There's a really healthy working relationship between the players and the powers of the football club, but there's no doubt when you're not going so well on the field, it puts a lot of pressure on the administration because they feel it from our supporters and fans.
"All we can do operationally is do our best to turn it around, and that's what we aim to do (against Essendon)."
The Dogs are currently in last place on the ladder after starting the season with heavy defeats to Greater Western Sydney and West Coast.
Beveridge also had to address rumours recruit Josh Schache has become disillusioned with the game.
The 20-year-old is currently nursing a calf injury, but the former Lion had little impact during the JLT Community Series after taking time away from the game last year to deal with personal issues.
"We couldn't be happier with Josh's application, (as he) didn't miss a session pre-season and we gave him a little bit of game time in the JLT series," Beveridge said.
"He's definitely that young forward who is a work in progress, and a little bit like Tom (Boyd), but a little behind Tom.
"We see him as a really bright prospect for us, but unfortunately, he's got a calf injury at the moment, which is a bit unusual for a young player.
"We think he'll be right to play next week."
And Beveridge wasn't concerned the well-publicised off-field issues that Schache and Boyd have battled with would prevent the high draft picks of becoming long-term players.
"I haven't got concerns, but that's their challenge to be mentally and physically prepared to play the game," he said.
"It's our challenge to get them there, so I've got no concerns, but our endeavours are all pointed to getting there."