Sadly, I don't think he'll make 300 either. Which is a crying shame, because I don't think any bulldog has matched him for professionalism in my lifetime.
Surely he will make it back for one match for the Rookie Record.
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You would think he'll surpass the 290, although sharing a record with Dean Cox isn't exactly a bad thing.
Considering last year we rested him regularly even with excellent form I would be surprised if he plays 300 though unless he features in 3/4 finals.
I'm wondering how more content he would be if he can't get to 300, having played in last year's premiership with the Doggies.
I tend to think also he will struggle to get to 300 on current form, but he should take pride in knowing that we love what he has done for our club over the years and that he represents true Bulldog grit regardless of the number of games he gets too.
I'm sure playing in a flag is Boyd's crowning achievement .
If he gets there, great .
Just reckon if a younger player stands up in his spot he's going to struggle to get back in
It isn't that important to me. You have to finish on a certain number of games that becomes your career tally of AFL matches (mine is zero) whether it's 290 or 301 doesn't really make that much difference for mine.
I'm pretty sure if you'd asked Matt Boyd at the start of 2002 whether he'd be content with an AFL career of 290 games, 3 x B & F, 3 x All Australian, club captaincy for 3 years and a premiership player, he would have taken that in a heartbeat. Not reaching a random multiple of ten won't reduce what he's been over his career.
Dumped Boyd has no regrets over playing on
WESTERN Bulldogs veteran Matthew Boyd says he has no regrets about playing on this season despite being dropped to the VFL.
The 34-year-old tossed up whether to play on in 2017, and has since battled injuries and form after being an All Australian last season.
The defensive playmaker has remained with Footscray in the VFL since being dropped for the round 13 clash with Melbourne, but Boyd says he hasn't given up on returning to the senior side.
He racked up 31 disposals and nine tackles to be one of Footscray's best on the weekend, so is in the mix for a senior return..
"There's no regrets whatsoever from my perspective for playing on," Boyd told RSN radio on Tuesday.
"Initially it was a bit of a challenge (playing in the VFL), just being able to process that news and do it quickly enough to get you back on the park.
"It had been 13 or 14 years since I played VFL footy, so it's been a long time.
"My eyes were open to the fact that I could play VFL footy, I could have some injury concerns, and miss periods of the season as an ageing athlete.
"I couldn't not go on after last year, (because you) don't give up while you've got something to give, and I've definitely got something to give."
Now on 290 games, Boyd insists his incentive to saddle up for a 15th AFL season wasn't to reach the magical 300-match mark.
Boyd will need to play every remaining game of the home and away season, plus a final to reach the milestone.
If history is anything to go by, Luke Beveridge will only pick him on merit, after the premiership coach left retired Dog Will Minson stranded on 191 games at the end of last season.
"I had a chat to 'Bevo', and I said, 'Don't play me just to get to 300 games, because I don't want to be a burden on the footy club', Boyd said.
"Things would have to go extraordinarily well from here on in for me to get to 300, but it's not a focus."
What a classy person he is . True pro
Shame he's fallen away this quickly but he will be remembered as a great clubman and leader in the tough times.....and a premiership player in an AA season. A real pro.
One. I hope he at least gets one more game to get the rookie record and a send off from us all.
Two. I'd have no problem with him chasing a rookie spot somewhere else if they're looking for a depth player and strong leader.
Three. I hope he recaptures his form and fights like hell every week to keep it and gets to 300.
Going by his VFL game on the weekend he should be back in this week but not as a backman , he starred on the ball !
Maybe we need to let him loose one more time with the way our mids are struggling eg Libba and Jong out injured.