Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has disclosed that the team faced a challenging week before their crucial victory over the Dragons on Saturday, with one key player requiring hospitalization.
The Bulldogs showcased some of their finest performance of the season, keeping their slim chances for the top eight alive, despite a less-than-ideal lead-up, as Ciraldo explained to the media during his post-match press conference.
According to Ciraldo, star back rower Jacob Preston was on a drip for an infection, yet his performance against the Dragons suggested otherwise.
Preston, who declined a three-year, $1.9 million contract extension earlier in the week, was among the standout players in the 44-14 victory.
"He actually didn't train with us the last two days; he was in hospital with an infection, so he was on a drip uh the last couple of days, so maybe might have to do that next week as well because he played pretty good," Ciraldo joked, also noting that several players had contracted Covid at the week's start.
"These things happen in a footy season; every team goes through it. A lot of them you don't hear about," he remarked.
"I was a bit harsh on the boys last week, and then you rock up Monday and about five of them have tested positive to Covid, so no wonder they're a bit flat. I don't know, these things happen."
When questioned about the authenticity of the Covid situation, Ciraldo stated: "I don't tell lies."