THE REIGNING premiers' young pups, including outstanding debutant defender Lewis Young, could yet be the key to Luke Beveridge’s men mounting a late challenge for finals.
The Western Bulldogs coach stopped short on Tuesday of declaring his inconsistent side back on track – admitting it "moonwalked" after the previous win over North Melbourne – but liked what he saw in the 20-point defeat of Carlton two days ago.
Young's effort was one positive, as well as a revived midfield that batted deep with Jack Macrae, Marcus Bontempelli, Luke Dahlhaus, Toby McLean, Caleb Daniel, Mitch Wallis and Bailey Dale.
"I think it's the way you go about it, more than anything," Beveridge said.
"Carlton have been really competitive and it's such an even comp, so it's hard to gauge what's happening week to week with wins and losses.
"We know if you lose by too much it drags you down a little bit and we've had a few of those occasions this year, which we haven't been happy about. But I thought some of the things we did at the weekend were very good and it's a step back in the right direction."
Young, 18, was so impressive some pundits suggested the Bulldogs need not open the chequebook for out-of-contract Adelaide defender Jake Lever.
His combination with fellow teenager Bailey Williams was vital in Easton Wood's suspension-related absence. Twenty-year-old Zaine Cordy also drew Beveridge's praise.
"I think everyone's buoyed by Young's performance," the coach said.
"To have that bright spot when things are a little bit vanilla; it always gives everyone a little bit of a pep and it's important for our future … there's always pressure for spots, but I think there are 11 out at the moment, so that pressure's been diluted a little bit."
Key forward Travis Cloke, who took a break for mental health issues but played in the VFL the past fortnight, is one of several players in the mix for a senior return.
Jake Stringer's hamstring injury opened the door for Cloke, but Beveridge did not guarantee the former Magpie would return. Tory Dickson is another contender, but former captain Matthew Boyd remains troubled with an Achilles problem.
"It's more about the process of feeling good in mind and body (for Cloke) and he appears to have enjoyed the last two weeks, so we'll work through that at match committee level," Beveridge said.
The 11th-placed Bulldogs are unbeaten in three previous trips to Cairns against the Gold Coast ahead of Saturday’s clash, and Beveridge highlighted the importance of maintaining that record.
"We're obviously trying to improve like everyone else and we're well aware of what's before us," he said. "I don't think we can trip up too many times (if we want to stay in finals contention).
"We shouldn't have too much change this week, so it will be a good opportunity to forge again with the players we were able to produce at the weekend."
