Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has slammed Essendon ruckman Sam Draper's "bizarre" comments surrounding trade rumours at Whitten Oval.
Draper spoke on the 200+ podcast, hinting that if Beveridge was to stay on as Bulldogs' coach beyond next season, some of his players would seek to be traded.
The comments have since been deleted, but Draper has still been reprimanded.
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"I've got a big call about the Doggies," Draper said on the 200+ podcast.
"If Bevo's (Beveridge) still there, there'll be some players requesting trades."
Draper suspected that Bailey Dale and Jack Macrae, as well as Caleb Daniel, could be out the door when he was asked on the podcast.
Essendon only became aware of Draper's comments late on Tuesday night, moving quickly to condemn his words and apologise to the Bulldogs.
Now, Beveridge has had his say on the matter.
"It was bizarre to me," Beveridge told reporters on Thursday.
The 2016 premiership coach acknowledged that the Bombers were quick to make amends, explaining that the club was remorseful on behalf of Draper.
"… the people who became aware, who are close to him (Draper), the football club, (were) extremely alarmed and reached out to me to express their apologies," Beveridge said.
"My number one concern is our players and taking care of them and (making them feel) supported.
"When something like that happens in regards to me I can deal with it, but it's unusual."
He has given Draper the benefit of the doubt, confident the comments were a one-off.
"This is normally one where I'm sure that he (Draper) has had a think about it and maybe he wouldn't do it again, I'm not sure," Beveridge said.
Meantime, Draper has been left out of Essendon's side that will fly to Perth to face West Coast this weekend.
The club says the call to leave Draper out has nothing to do with his podcast comments, instead resting him with knee soreness.
The Bulldogs look ahead to their challenge against the Hawks, while Essendon will face the Eagles without Draper.
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