EARLY confirmation of a debut for Ryan Gardner has not drawn Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge into revealing which end of the ground the key position player will line up against West Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
Selected in the NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft from Footscray on Monday and declared a certain member of the senior side less than 24 hours later, Gardner was lauded by his coach for his refusal to give up on playing at AFL level.
"Yeah, they're always romantic stories when the guys persevere and get another chance. As he's (Gardner) been talking publicly, he's capable at both ends of the ground and we've used him there during the VFL season this year," Beveridge said on Thursday.
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The 21-year-old could be thrust into defence as a taller replacement for Hayden Crozier, who is set to miss 2-3 weeks with a toe injury, as the imposing task of stopping the Eagles' forward line awaits the travelling Bulldogs. Beveridge kept his cards close to his chest.
"Obviously he's been schooled a little bit at Geelong and so the combination of what he's learnt there and what he's got here will prepare him for both ends. Rather not declare where he'll start, but he obviously won't be in the ruck," Beveridge said.
The inclusion of 197cm Gardner doesn't bode well for other tall options Lewis Young or Josh Schache, but their coach insists the call doesn't rule them out of contention this week.
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"I talk to those lads every week and they've seen what Ryan is capable of at VFL level. Over the last couple of weeks Ryan has played different roles for us, some lockdown roles, and it probably doesn't look that great on the stat sheet at times. His early form forward was terrific," Beveridge said.
"He (Schache) played pretty well last week and so he's under consideration to come back in anyway, so it's not like I've had to say to Josh, ‘hey bad luck, it's Ryan not you’. Hopefully he trains well today."
Speculation emerged this week surrounding the Bulldogs’ interest in Hawthorn midfielder Isaac Smith and Gold Coast forward Jack Martin in the trade period, moves the coach has little inclination to confirm or deny during the season.
"I got asked a question at the end of last week's game due to the fact that 'Boydy' is not with us anymore and obviously 'Picko' has retired as well."
"There is an opening there (and) would we be focusing on the possibility of picking up a key position player… and we did. But that's the only reason I was talking about list management, because I got asked a question.
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"So out of respect for our players and opposition players at other clubs between now and when we get to trade at the end of the year, I won't be talking about individuals."
Veteran forward Tory Dickson kicked three goals in the VFL last week and will be in the squad on the plane to Perth.
Beveridge acknowledged the trip is arguably the toughest in the AFL, while remaining upbeat of an upset against the reigning premiers.
"They've (West Coast) been beaten three times, you look at the reasons why. No team is infallible and at our best we've shown we're not a bad team."
