WESTERN Bulldogs forward Jack Redpath is set to announce his retirement on Tuesday – despite being contracted for 2019 – after suffering a wretched run with serious injury.

But following Saturday's gut-wrenching three-point loss to Richmond, Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge hit out at reports Redpath had fallen out of love with the club and that had contributed to the decision.

"Jack (Redpath) is one of the most unfortunate players in the competition because he's had serious knee injuries and that will probably finish his career," Beveridge admitted post-game.

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"Jack loves the football club, Jack loves his teammates.

"(Journalist) Tom (Browne) is reporting something that's fiction around Jack not being happy at the football club.

"We love him, he loves the club and for Tom Browne to report that is obviously pretty disappointing, because there isn't an ounce of truth in it."

Redpath suffered an ACL injury midway through the 2016 season and missed the Bulldogs' premiership triumph.

The 27-year-old has struggled to have an impact since. He was added to the Bulldogs' leadership group this season but was again cruelled by injuries and managed just two games to take his career tally to 34.

"We've supported him, we've nurtured him. Jack will come and talk on Tuesday," Beveridge said.

"There's a chance he'll probably retire, and we'll make an announcement if that's the case.

"We'd love for him to (play on in 2019), but if he's not physically able to then we've just got to work through that."

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The Bulldogs finished their season on a high note, despite a nail-biting three-point loss to the Tigers.

Beveridge and his men failed to make finals for a second-straight season, but came closer than any other side to beating the reigning premiers at the MCG.

The Dogs hit the post on three occasions during the final quarter, including Brad Lynch's match-winning attempt with less than one minute remaining, enabling the Tigers' MCG-winning streak to extend to 21.

Nonetheless, Beveridge was proud of his side's performance given their inexperience.

"No, (the luck) didn’t fall our way, but we won’t get caught up in that. It was a good outing and we challenged them, they're obviously a very good side," Beveridge said.

"We come away pretty disappointed [and] a little gutted for not getting the result.

"At different stages, particularly in the back half of the year, we haven't had many resources. The boys who are left in the 22 to grind it out and really focus on trying to improve – both individually and collectively – I’m pretty satisfied with their performances, it's pretty encouraging for next year."

"Richmond has established themselves as the benchmark of the competition.

"We always say that when you're playing against an opponent that’s recognised and respected in the way that the Tigers are now, it is a good opportunity to see how you stack up.

"And we stacked up pretty well today and that’ll give us a spring in our step as we have a break and then turn our minds on how we're going to prepare for 2019."

Jack Macrae finished his outstanding year as the Dogs' best player en route to a game-high 43 disposals and seven tackles, as teammates Lachie Hunter (35 disposals), Josh Dunkley (28 and two goals) and Billy Gowers (three goals) provided unwavering support. 

An extensive injury list impacted the Dogs' ability to match it against the better teams in the competition, but the exposure it has given Beveridge's younger players will be advantageous moving forward.

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"It seems like (the future is bright)," Beveridge said.

"The team that runs out round one next year won't be the same as this team (today).

"It's given us a really good look at what our young players might offer in the future. They've really been forced into it.

"I couldn't be prouder of our 18- and 19-year-olds playing against experienced, bigger and stronger opponents for them to fight the good fight and do their bit for the team, they've been outstanding."

The Dogs' latter half of the season was encouraging, posting three wins from their final four games.