Luke Beveridge insists he has never been in a better mental and physical space to coach the Western Bulldogs as the club attempts to move on from a turbulent opening week of the AFL season.
Beveridge apologised last Thursday through a club statement and video release for his stunning outburst at former Fox Footy reporter Tom Morris after the Bulldogs' round-one loss to Melbourne.
The 2016 premiership coach's gripe was over Morris' story about important midfielder Lachie Hunter being left out of the Dogs' starting 22 for the grand final rematch.
Beveridge has since "briefly" addressed the dramatic fall-out with his playing group in an attempt to clear the air ahead of the meeting with Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.
"We put the statement out and then tried to move on pretty quickly," Beveridge said.
"I get that it sort of lingers a little bit and I understand that, but I'm good, I'm really good.
"I'm energised and really looking forward to Thursday night."
Beveridge has been vocal in his opposition to AFL cuts to the soft cap, which have put pressure on shrinking football departments, but stressed those past comments were not linked to his personal situation.
The eighth-year coach's post-match outburst directed at Morris led to some media commentary questioning Beveridge's mental state and fitness to continue leading the Bulldogs after 161 games in charge.
"I've just got to cop it on the chin but it's far from the truth," Beveridge said.
"I've never been fitter, I've never felt healthier.
"I know I've been reasonably vocal about what some of the soft cap cuts have done and now is not the time to talk about that again.
"But that's more about my concerns for the code and industry, not my domain.
"It's probably a bigger picture consideration but personally I'm fine ... I couldn't feel more passionate about what I do.
"The players and I have got a really strong connection and that's the real thing that matters."
The Bulldogs have named captain Marcus Bontempelli to play against Carlton despite concerns over an ankle injury.
Gun midfielder Bailey Smith is out, reportedly because of a hip injury, while Josh Schache and Bailey Williams have been dropped.
Former No.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has been named in the starting 22, with Taylor Duryea and Anthony Scott recalled to the squad.
Carlton have regained star midfielder Sam Walsh earlier than expected after ankle syndesmosis surgery last month but have lost gun recruit Adam Cerra.
Cerra joins teammate Jack Martin and coach Michael Voss on the sidelines through AFL health and safety protocols.
