Western Bulldogs players are determined to stand up for Luke Beveridge amid "unwarranted criticism" of the long-time coach, dashing utility Jason Johannisen says.
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Contracted until the end of next year, Beveridge faced intense scrutiny this season as the Bulldogs slipped to 3-5 before a 91-point thrashing of struggling Richmond last week.
Johannisen, who starred in the Dogs' 2016 premiership under Beveridge, said it was on the players to deliver on a more consistent basis, starting against Greater Western Sydney at Engie Stadium on Saturday.
Norm Smith medallist Johannisen will miss the round-10 contest with a tight hamstring, replaced by flag teammate Caleb Daniel, but backed the Bulldogs to perform in support of their coach.
"We feel that frustration and us players take ownership for our poor performances," Johannisen told AAP.
"We've just had to go back to the basics and what makes us play really well.
"Our pressure game was unbelievable (last week) and our contest work and our midfielders were tremendous.
"The challenge is to do that for the next few weeks."
Beveridge has been the lightning rod for criticism during the Bulldogs' rollercoaster start to the season, with many detractors claiming the 53-year-old isn't getting the best out of a talented list.
There have been queries over some of Beveridge's selection decisions, while he has also been been accused of sending mixed messages through the media.
"He cops way too much criticism that is unwarranted," Johannisen said.
"Us players and the whole coaching staff feel like we have a good culture and good environment and all we do week in week out is try to get better.
"It just hasn't been coming through in our games but hopefully now we've kick-started that and can get some good momentum."
GWS (6-3) will be looking to steady their own ship when they play on home turf for the first time in more than two months.
Adam Kingsley's men have lost three of their past four games, following a club-record five-match winning streak to start the season.
Johannisen said stopping the Giants' hard-running engine room - led by Tom Green, Stephen Coniglio and Callan Ward - would be crucial to the Bulldogs posting a win that could be a launching pad for a run at the top eight.
"We know how well they move the ball; it's very fast and they run in numbers, so if we can play the game in our forward half it will go a long way," Johannisen said.
"In the past we've had big wins on the road and it really lifts the boys up and can give a team such momentum going forward.
"The Giants are one of the top teams, so if we get a win it's going to be huge."
GWS suffered a double-blow with Josh Kelly and Lachie Ash both ruled out for about six weeks with calf injuries, naming Xavier O'Halloran and Jacob Wehr as replacements against the Bulldogs.
Key forward Jesse Hogan will line up for his 150th AFL game, looking to build on a strong start to the campaign that has produced 26 goals in nine appearances.
The Dogs recalled Daniel from the reserves, with the 2020 best-and-fairest winner having made just one senior appearance as the substitute since round five.
Australian Associated Press
