- Loser of Bulldogs vs Dockers match is done for the season
Tension between the Western Bulldogs and Fremantle could boil over this weekend after Dockers ruck and development coach Sam Naismith was busted spying on his rivals at a training session on Friday in Melbourne.
Naismith, 33, was spotted in the stands at Whitten Oval as Luke Beveridge put his team through their paces ahead of Sunday’s must-win clash at Marvel Stadium.
Former Sydney Swans and Richmond Tigers ruckman Naismith, who stands at 206cm, was wearing all black, including a cap.
He was holding a coffee but made no effort to disguise himself.
Naismith was asked to leave the venue by Bulldogs assistant Daniel Pratt – and reportedly did so without incident.
The development adds some spice to this weekend’s tussle, as both sides look to secure their spot in the top eight ahead of the finals.
Tension between the Western Bulldogs and Fremantle could boil over this weekend after Dockers ruck and development coach Sam Naismith (right, wearing black cap) was busted spying on his rivals on Friday in Melbourne
Naismith was asked to leave Whitten Oval by Bulldogs assistant Daniel Pratt – and reportedly did so without incident
Former Sydney Swans and Richmond star Naismith (pictured) stood out from the crowd with his 206cm frame
As it stands, the Dockers sit in seventh spot with 60 points, with the Bulldogs in eighth on 56 points.
With ninth-placed Gold Coast (56 points) having a game up their sleeve against Essendon on August 27, both the Dockers and Bulldogs will be desperate to be victorious so they can feature in September.
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, who spoke to reporters before the spy drama, has drummed home all week to his players what is required.
‘The equation’s simple,’ he said.
‘Both clubs are in the same situation: you win or you’re out.’
Meanwhile, ex-All-Australian representative Adam Treloar may have played his last game for the Bulldogs after he was overlooked to take on Fremantle.
It comes despite the star midfielder dominating in the VFL last week.
Treloar has endured a torturous run with calf injuries this season, restricted to just four games with the last coming back in round 15.
The 32-year-old is undoubtedly in their best team when fit, but the Bulldogs have decided against risking him for such a big game given his injury history.
Treloar also doesn’t yet have a contract for next year.
The Dockers have recalled Hayden Young, despite the key playmaker’s injury troubles of his own.