Disappointment and frustration: The two words defining the Bulldogs' season

Disappointment and frustration. They were the two words used by the Bulldogs hierarchy to describe the end of the 2023 season.

And they were the words again the President reached for reacting to Sunday’s loss at the hands of Hawthorn.

The Western Bulldogs put themselves through thorough introspection, external examination, made significant personnel change on and off the field and shook up the processes in the football department.

But a third of the way through the fresh season find themselves returned to that state of disappointment and frustration.

Across the off-season the president, the chief executive and the coach all joined me on this program.

I went back and had a listen through the stages of review, change and the optimism for the mission ahead.

Kylie Watson-Wheeler joined me in November explaining why the club had asked Peter Jackson to run a fresh pair of eyes over the football department.

KYLIE WATSON-WHEELER ON SEN - https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/11/15/dogs-president-reaffirms-commitment-to-beveridge-amidst-football-department/

It was carefully stated that Luke Beveridge’s position wasn’t under review. He wasn’t to feel threatened or undermined.

The coach told us in February the review was crucial and dug deep enough to get the answers.

BEVERIDGE ON WHATELEY https://www.sen.com.au/news/2024/03/05/not-at-all-beveridge-insists-western-bulldogs-review-was-never-about-his/

That in itself was an interesting glimpse into the Beveridge mind.

The Dogs thought they were ready to make an impact right out of the gates rather than chasing the season.

The coach had selection tension that would create a new blend and prodigious young talent to expose. They are however this week getting pinned by an old idea.

All three branches of leadership expressed the firm belief the Dogs had the right ingredients to be successful, but some things had gone amiss.

But assessments of a top end list were paired back to avoid the exact scenario that is playing out.

They are getting hung by an old idea. But even on the relevant parameter they aren’t measuring up … the necessity to play finals.

The Dogs are disappointed and frustrated. The Dogs are disappointing and frustrating. They expected more and the hardest times look ahead.