Freijah, a 191cm winger known for his hard-running style, has showcased an impressive performance in the VFL season since joining the Whitten Oval. He was drafted with the No.45 pick from the Greater Western Victoria Rebels program in last year’s national draft. With an average of 22.2 disposals and 7.4 marks per game, Freijah has earned his debut opportunity, becoming the fourth Dogs debutant this season alongside Harvey Gallagher, Ryley Sanders, and Charlie Clarke.
Informed of his debut on Thursday morning, Freijah aims to uplift a Western Bulldogs team that has faced a disappointing start to the campaign, with a record of 3-5. Despite the pressure mounting on the team and their coach, Luke Beveridge, after a recent loss to Hawthorn, Beveridge maintains that he feels supported by the club and is not overwhelmed by the criticism.
Acknowledging the supportive messages he receives, Beveridge appreciates the goodwill during challenging times. He maintains his focus on controlling what he can and remains steadfast in his position. The club’s president, Kylie Watson-Wheeler, stressed the need for patience and restraint in evaluating the coach’s performance, emphasizing that it’s premature to panic or make hasty decisions.
Football boss Matthew Egan expressed dismay at the harsh criticism directed at Beveridge, while midfielder Adam Treloar defended the coach. When asked about the criticism, Beveridge remained unfazed, prioritizing the opinions within the football club over external scrutiny.
Beveridge has received support from club officials and players, including injured player Cody Weightman, indicating a strong sense of camaraderie within the team. The Bulldogs opted for a change in routine by visiting St Kilda Sea Baths for a different approach to their review process, recognizing the challenge of blocking out external scrutiny for the players.
