With debate rife about the merits and format of the AFL pre-season series, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has revealed he'd like to see a trophy reintroduced for the March champions.

The league stopped awarding a pre-season trophy following the Brisbane Lions' victory over Carlton in 2013. But Beveridge, a member of St Kilda's 1996 Ansett Cup-winning side, says he'd like to be striving for a silverware at this time of year.

Can Melbourne match it with the finals-bound Western Bulldogs? Credit:Getty Images

"I'm a bit of a purist. I'd like to be playing for a trophy, it just adds a bit more meaning. If there was one part of it I'd change it'd be to have something up for grabs," Beveridge said on Friday at the Whitten Oval.

Beveridge fondly recalled the Saints' March triumph of 20 years ago, noting the impact it can have on an emerging team. St Kilda made the 1997 grand final proper only 18 months after beating Carlton in the pre-season decider.