Kane Cornes has directed criticism towards the Western Bulldogs for allegedly downplaying the considerable talent within their ranks. His remarks surfaced in the aftermath of the Bulldogs’ defeat to Hawthorn by a margin of seven points.
This loss marked the Bulldogs’ fourth defeat in five games, relegating the 2016 premiership winners to 11th position on the AFL ladder. Conversely, it represented only the second victory for the rebuilding Hawthorn side in eight games this season.
Subsequent to the defeat, coach Luke Beveridge indicated a focus on cultivating the team for the future. Beveridge expressed confidence in his decision-making process, aiming to shape the team into one capable of future challenges. He emphasized the necessity of proactive measures to address vulnerabilities and implement changes promptly, acknowledging past criticisms while asserting his role as a steward of the club’s interests.
However, Cornes took issue with Beveridge’s stance, particularly in light of the Bulldogs’ performance on Sunday. He voiced his dissent on SEN radio, emphasizing his discontent with what he perceives as a pattern of underplaying expectations by the Bulldogs’ coaching staff. Cornes suggested that settling for such performances is unacceptable, highlighting a misalignment between the team’s potential and its current portrayal by the coaching staff.
