The controversial remarks made by Essendon ruckman Sam Draper regarding potential player departures at the Western Bulldogs, coach Luke Beveridge has addressed the situation. Draper, speaking on his podcast 200Plus two weeks earlier, hinted that players like Jack Macrae, Caleb Daniel, and Bailey Dale might seek new opportunities in 2025 if Beveridge continued as coach.
Beveridge, the 2016 premiership coach, found Draper’s comments perplexing and expressed his sentiments to reporters, labeling them as strange. He also noted that the Bombers had reached out to apologize for Draper’s remarks. Beveridge emphasized his primary concern for his players’ welfare and support, emphasizing the importance of shielding them from undue scrutiny week after week.
While acknowledging that individuals may harbor various thoughts, particularly amidst the emotional intensity of the game, Beveridge emphasized the inappropriateness of airing such sentiments in the public sphere. He suggested that Draper may have reconsidered his actions and might approach similar situations differently in the future.
