Tam Hyett, the new coach of the Western Bulldogs, aims to prioritize team cohesion in the next five months leading up to round one.
The Bulldogs had a tough season in 2023, finishing last due to a combination of injuries, poor form, and a lack of unity, managing to win only one out of their 10 matches.
Coach Nathan Burke was dismissed despite signing a two-year contract at the end of 2022. He had been vocal about players’ fitness and professionalism during post-match interviews.
“In observing the Dogs over the past few years, I believe it’s not about individuals. It’s about fostering on-field connection as a collective and enhancing cohesion across all three lines,” Hyett told AFL.com.au.
“My primary focus is ensuring that we function cohesively as a team, with clear roles and responsibilities. I believe this will contribute significantly to our development initially.”
Hyett has a significant draft haul at her disposal, with the Dogs acquiring key players such as dynamic tall forward Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner (pick No.1), elusive midfielder Brooke Barwick (No.4), speedy small forward Elaine Grigg (No.6), and rebounding defender Cleo Buttifant (No.11), along with ruck support from mature-age player Jorja Borg.
However, she advised against setting high expectations for the group at such an early stage in their careers. Buttifant has recently transitioned from touch football, Weston-Turner missed a significant portion of 2023 due to a broken wrist, and Barwick is recovering from a torn ACL.
“It’s certainly a positive development to have these players on board. However, it’s important to manage expectations and recognize that it’s a young group. Progress may take time, but the natural talent within the group is undeniable,” she commented.
“It’s about embracing the uncertainty. These players haven’t had the opportunity to play together yet; they’ve all been recruited to the club based on their individual talents. I aim to foster an environment where they can play with freedom, leveraging their inherent skills and allowing them to express themselves on the field.
“In doing so, there may be errors, and performance levels may vary, but I want to empower the players to be bold and capitalize on their strengths.”
The Bulldogs experienced another tumultuous off-season, marked by the departure of several senior players in a Trade Period that occurred prior to Hyett’s appointment.
Key forwards Gabby Newton (to Fremantle) and Celine Moody (to Carlton), midfielder Kirsty Lamb (to Port Adelaide), and key defender Katie Lynch (to Gold Coast) all requested trades. However, the Bulldogs did succeed in acquiring Ellie Gavalas and Mua Laloifi from North Melbourne and Carlton, respectively.
“Observing both players, and Lauren Ahrens, whom I played with at St Kilda Sharks, I believe we’ve brought stability to the group,” Hyett remarked.
“Ellie possesses versatility, capable of playing in multiple positions. She will provide valuable support to players like Ellie Blackburn and Jess Fitzgerald in the midfield, while also contributing her experience from a successful program.”
“Additionally, Mua brings a vibrant personality and serves as a solid presence in the defensive line. The reliability of both Mua and Lauren in defense will allow players like Issy Grant, who may have previously been deployed there out of necessity, to play with more freedom.
“It’s an exciting outcome of bringing in players of this caliber and the positive impact it can have on the team, bolstering other areas.”
The Western Bulldogs are currently in search of a head of women’s football and “a couple” of assistant coaching positions before the start of pre-season in June.