WESTERN Bulldogs want Tom Boyd to slim down, believing he was too bulky and lost some crucial mobility in his first season at the Giants.

The Bulldogs initially wanted Boyd, 19, at the end of next season, but pulled the trigger on the bombshell move a year early when captain Ryan Griffen announced his shock trade request to GWS.


The departure of Bulldogs senior playmakers Griffen and Adam Cooney threatens to expose the young midfielders at a key stage of the club’s rebuild next year.
But list manger Jason McCartney said the signs already indicated clearance king Tom Liberatore and emerging pair Jackson Macrae and Marcus Bontempelli “would relish the responsibility” next season.


Tom Boyd is a key addition to the Western Bulldogs line-up. Picture: Michael Klein


McCartney said Boyd was “as well placed as any young player I have seen” to handle the “huge amount of pressure” that will inevitably accompany his estimated $1-million a season price tag.
The No. 1 draft pick played nine games and averaged six possessions and three marks for the Giants last season.
McCartney, who declared the pick-up “huge for our footy club”, said the 200cm powerhouse goalkicker would unveil a leaner body shape to help his movement next season.
“He had an interesting season, he looked like he played a bit heavier than what we have seen him at in the past,” McCartney said.


Tom Liberatore is already a leader in the Bulldogs midfield. Picture: Michael Klein


“In the Carlton game and the Geelong game, when the Giants surged back late, he gave everyone a taste of what he will do at AFL level in time. So there were glimpses.
“But he looked like he wasn’t playing with the same level of mobility that we have seen in the past, in the first year in.”
The Dogs had a scout at every one of Boyd’s NEAFL and AFL games last season, confident he was the man to fill the gaping hole in the forward line.
The club has already built impressively through the midfield, with Rising Star runner-up Bontempelli richly rewarding what some talent-spotters thought was a bold punt at pick No.4.


The Western Bulldogs’ recent draft success.


A natural leader, Boyd also been dubbed a future captain, adding to his appeal.
“He fits the bill from a playing perspective but also when you consider the make-up and character of the kid and obviously his family is equally important.
“We know there will be a huge amount of pressure on him, being a key forward at the Bulldogs, and he left one year into (his contract) and everyone is talking about what his contract may look like.
“But Tom is of that character and that level of resilience that it just doesn’t seem to bother him at all.”


Lachie Hunter will be called on to step up in the midfield. Picture: Michael Klein


Boyd’s arrival will help alleviate the focus on forward Stewart Crameri and Jake Stringer and create greater ground level opportunities for the Dogs’ batch of clever small forwards, such as Nathan Hrovat, Lachie Hunter and Luke Dahlhaus.
“It will be very pleasing for those guys in the midfield to look up and have him there, because he has got such a presence about him,” he said.

Key forward Liam Jones was traded to Carlton, leaving the Dogs with picks No. 26, 27, 38, 45 and 46 at Thursday’s national draft.
The Dogs acquired former Swan Shane Biggs to replace departed free agent Shaun Higgins on a back flank, while Fletcher Roberts will be given increased opportunity in a key defensive post.

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