Matthew Boyd - Announces Retirement

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DGq9tRNV0AAzz25.jpg


Matthew Boyd: "We probably know why we are here today, and that's to announce 2017 will be my last in the game."

* I always knew that this would be my last year."

* I finish with no regrets."

* What this last year has given me is a chance to spend time with the people of this Club, and really enjoy the ride.

* The Western Bulldogs Football Club have given the opportunity to my family and I to have the ride of a lifetime.

* To the members and supporters, this is who we do this for. I thank them for making it a special journey.

[bornadog]

Boyd calls time (http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2017-08-08/boyd-calls-time)



Western Bulldogs veteran Matthew Boyd has called an end to an outstanding 16-year AFL career.Boyd, one of the most decorated players in Bulldogs’ history, today announced that the 2017 season would be his last.

Boyd will leave the game with three Charles Sutton Medals, three All-Australian awards, a premiership, captaincy of the Bulldogs and as one of the most respected players of the modern era.“It has been an amazing journey for me to play at the highest level at the Western Bulldogs for 16 years,”
Boyd said.“I am fortunate to have been given the opportunity to play for such an amazing club and to have met so many incredible people along the way.

“For me it’s those friendships and special bonds I’ve developed here that mean the most to me, and are what make this club so special.“I’m proud to finish my career as a one-club player, and I want to thank everyone at the Western Bulldogs for their support of me and my family over my career.

“The Bulldogs’ fans have been phenomenal. I thank you for embracing me, and it was truly an honour playing for you.”Boyd currently has 291 games to his name - the most ever by a player who started his career as a rookie.

Only seven other Bulldogs players have recorded more games in their careers – Brad Johnson, Chris Grant, Doug Hawkins, Ted Whitten, Scott West, Rohan Smith and Bob Murphy.“Matthew has made an amazing contribution to the Western Bulldogs, and he will be remembered as one of the most influential players in the Club’s history,” said coach Luke Beveridge.

“His list of on-field achievements stack up among the greats of this Club, and he is held in the highest regard through his outstanding leadership over a long period of time.“Matthew can be very proud of what he accomplished at the highest level, and we thank him for his passion, professionalism, strong work ethic and ability to make others better around him.

”Boyd was recruited to the Bulldogs with the 23rd selection in the 2001 Rookie Draft, after playing for the Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup and Frankston in the VFL.He made his debut in Round 7, 2003, and by the following year he had established himself as a permanent fixture in the Bulldogs’ team.

He forged a strong reputation as a hard-running, ball-winning midfielder, and he enjoyed a dominant period as one of the elite players in the competition.His most damaging seasons came from 2009-2012, where he won his three Best and Fairest awards and was named in the All-Australian team twice, all while captaining the Club from 2011-13.

In the last few seasons Boyd has become a dependable defender, and was a crucial cog in the Bulldogs’ 2016 premiership team, a season which was capped with a third All-Australian selection.Boyd has averaged 25 disposals per game in his career to date (the second most by a Bulldogs player who has played over 100 games), and has kicked 85 goals.

Career highlights:

Captain: 2011-2013
Premiership side: 2016
Charles Sutton Medal: 2009, 2011, 2012

All Australian team: 2009, 2011, 2016

International Rules Series: 2008, 2010

[bulldogtragic]

Rookie Games Played Record too.
Night Premiership in 2010 too.
And the most awesome goal, against Richmond in Round 1 many years ago.

[KT31]

The 'Pelicans Own' has called time on his career.
Ex-Captain, 3 x All Australian, 3 x BF, Premiership player.
Been an absolute champion for our club and a pleasure to watch.
Thank you Matty Boyd.
��⚪️��

[Twodogs]

Matthew Keith Boyd. What an absolute star. That record must stack up with the top ten percent of players to play the game. Multiple B&F, multiple AA, Club captain, Premiership player. A lot of the time Keithy was happy to sacrifice his own game for the good of the team but his natural game was good enough to be All Australian and club Best and Fairest 3 times. His preperation and recovery was second to none and his durability has been amazing.

A footballer's footballer. What an amazing career.

[aker39]

He is also an AFL Life Member.

[bulldogtragic]

He is also an AFL Life Member.

Good pick up too. How did the club miss numerous of his achievements?

A real shame he couldn't slot into the 300 club.

[Twodogs]

He is also an AFL Life Member.


Yep, very nearly a 300 game player. With rep matches and night matches added on that makes Keithy officially a 300 gamer and I think it's important to point out that's why they made him an honorary AFL life member.

[Twodogs]

Where does Matty Boyd come in the list of all time great bulldog players? If EJ is number one, the Bont number 2, Templeton number 3, Doug Hawkins number 4 etc.

Is Keithy in the top ten? His record is pretty bloody good.

[Remi Moses]

Well fine on a magnificent career Keith .

[aker39]

Yep, very nearly a 300 game player. With rep matches and night matches added on that makes Keithy officially a 300 gamer and I think it's important to point out that's why they made him an honorary AFL life member.

He is not an honorary life member, he is a life member.

The prerequisite for AFL Life Memberships is 300 games, which as you said, includes pre season and international games.

There are plenty of AFL Life Members who didn't play 300 H&A and Finals games.

It is a handy thing to have. 2 free tickets to every AFL game, including finals, for life. They also get invited to official AFL lunches at games a couple of times a year.

[Bullies]

Matty Boyd is also the Grand Nephew of the "Peanut Man" who used to walk around the Western Oval selling peanuts for 20c a bag

[Mantis]

Where does Matty Boyd come in the list of all time great bulldog players? If EJ is number one, the Bont number 2, Templeton number 3, Doug Hawkins number 4 etc.

Is Keithy in the top ten? His record is pretty bloody good.

Been a very consistent & durable player, but I would think that achievement isn't quite in his kit-bag... Lots of very good players would make the list before Boyd.

[Rocket Science]

Onya Keithy.

https://preview.ibb.co/gV9NcF/keith.png (https://ibb.co/byNxBa)

[Bulldog4life]

What a magnificent speech by Boydy. As thorough as his preparation was for a game. He has been a truly great player for our Club and he is such a nice guy off the field too. Always happy to chat with doggie supporters.Wish him all the very best for the future.Good on you Keithy.

[LostDoggy]

Fantastic career and hope he goes out a double premiership player.

[Eastdog]

A Bulldog champ! Thanks Matthew Boyd for all you have done for our club. We will miss you. As nearly every poster has said a great career with the top achievement our premiership last year. Would be cool to see him involved somewhere at the club in the future.

[bornadog]

Who can forget this great match winning goal:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGDuSmfrpMo

[bornadog]

A typical crunching tackle:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNkdTYzQ4yI

[LostDoggy]

Such a legend of our Footy club. Glad he gets to go out on his terms.Hard to see him not remaining part of the club in some capacity

[bulldogtragic]

Fantastic career and hope he goes out a double premiership player.

He already is. One of four players to win both day and night premierships in our club's history. But yes, I get what you mean.

[bulldogtragic]

Who can forget this great match winning goal:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGDuSmfrpMo

One of, if not, my favourite goals. It was awesome in the stand cheering him on like Makybi Diva with two hundred to go, and then everyone losing our shit when he got it. Good times. Thanks Matthew.

[whythelongface]

Absolute champion. An inspirational player that many have looked up to. Will miss watching him play but has provided many memories. Thank you Keith.

[Jeanette54]

Matty Boyd is also the Grand Nephew of the "Peanut Man" who used to walk around the Western Oval selling peanuts for 20c a bag

Obviously you are still a mere child Bullies, when I was young the cry was "Peanuts, shilling a bag, Peanuts", the same price as the Footy Record then.

And I must have a thing for half backs. My favourite footballers over the years have been EJ, John Jillard, Dale Morris, Matthew Boyd and Daniel Cross. How lucky was I to have Matthew, Crossy and Dale in the same team?

Thanks Matthew for all your good years, and great performances, and wishing you all the best for a great future. My fingers are now crossed to see you go out as a dual Premiership player.

[GVGjr]

Quality guy to have at the club and I think it's more than fair to say he got the most out of abilities. He should be extremely proud of what he has achieved. You have to respect the way he has conducted himself.

[HOSE B ROMERO]

He's right up there in my book behind Westy. You can have your flash goal kickers and spekky takers. They're the icing. But give me a player who can get the ball out in heavy traffic, creates the passage to the goals and runs up and down the ground for 120 minutes; they're the cake.

Let's send him out on a high.

Boyddddyyyyyyyyyy!

[ratsmac]

Congratulations on such a great career Keithy. He is a true professional the way he went about forging a career from football. He got the most out of himself and set the benchmark for others to follow. He took the captaincy through a very tough period and lead from the front. His leadership on the field last year as well can't be underestimated. Finishing up with 3 b&f's, 3 AA's and most importantly a premiership player just goes to show how blessed we were to call him a Bulldogs player. He can hold his head very very high with everything he has given to our great club and he leaves it in pretty good shape too.

[Twodogs]

He is not an honorary life member, he is a life member.

The prerequisite for AFL Life Memberships is 300 games, which as you said, includes pre season and international games.

There are plenty of AFL Life Members who didn't play 300 H&A and Finals games.

It is a handy thing to have. 2 free tickets to every AFL game, including finals, for life. They also get invited to official AFL lunches at games a couple of times a year.

The Honorary bit is a title. It means his life membership has been "conferred as an honour" and earned as opposed to a normal member who has to renew their membership and pay the membership fee. Libba is another life member who didn't get to 300 club games but played 300 AFL sanctioned games with Victorian and Pre Season games and IR games incl included.

Two tickets to the Grand Final every year would be great.


Fantastic career and hope he goes out a double premiership player.

Wouldn't that be a result!

[bornadog]

Some highlights


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT-F60L1CnQ&feature=youtu.be

[josie]

Thanks Matthew for your wonderful contribution. The photo with you and Dahlhaus holding and looking at the cup is one of my faves. Hope you enjoy the next chapter in your life too and suspect you have more to give to the footy community. Rather selfishly I hope you can help guide 'Scray to vfl premiership glory if you are not able to break into afl side again.

[jeemak]

Excellent player and excellent career. Extremely grateful for his service to our club, and sorry for talking him up as still in our top five at the start of this year and putting the mozz on him!

[ledge]

Matty was a leader a hard worker and got the best out of himself , he will never have a "coulda shoulda" moment later in life about his football career he did it all and to get the premiership was what this bloke deserved.
No doubt if he wishes he will continue in football roles in the future their should be no shortage of offers.
A cemented bulldog forever .. A band of brothers that included Murphy , Morris and Picken. ,

[Bulldog Revolution]

Farewell to a legend - an uncompromising competitor who extracted the most out of himself, and in doing so showed others how to work hard and be committed to the cause.

For a patch in the middle of his career he led the league in possessions which showed how hard he ran himself to get from contest to contest. Won some crucial contests in the final quarter of the grand final and make quick good decisions with it.

[bornadog]

Love this stat:

Most disposals at Etihad

3960 MATTHEW BOYD
3955 Brent Harvey
3911 Leigh Montagna
3897 Nick Dal Santo

[Smads57]

Well done Boydy - a great clubman....

[HOSE B ROMERO]

Love this stat:

Most disposals at Etihad

3960 MATTHEW BOYD
3955 Brent Harvey
3911 Leigh Montagna
3897 Nick Dal Santo

What! They actually keep stats for most disposals at a ground??? ( head hits keyboard)

[ledge]

What! They actually keep stats for most disposals at a ground??? ( head hits keyboard)

Unbelievable isn't it .. King would eat this up and use it for years

[bornadog]

Both Ten News and SEN have published photos of Dale Morris with good luck and best wishes to Matty Boyd. Surprised they didn't say Brad Boyd.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DGxYZZqUwAABOWF.jpg

[azabob]

The players have been posting images over social media saying well done Dale or super imposing Dale Morris face onto Boyd body.

[ledge]

Pathetic considering SEN claims it's the expert football station

[ledge]

The radio and television coverage is great but the homework done, the commentators and journalist / opinions are a disgrace , they do no research , obviously don't have proof readers any more and are so full of themselves that they want to get things out quick that are total fiction.

[bornadog]

Veteran Dog gets chance for final bow-wow (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-08-24/veteran-dog-gets-chance-for-final-bowwow)



http://s.afl.com.au/staticfile/Samples/501135-tlsnewsportrait.jpg




MATTHEW Boyd will return for Friday night's clash with Hawthorn in what is likely to be a farewell game for the Western Bulldogs great.

With the reigning premiers needing several results to go their way to qualify for an unlikely finals spot, Boyd will join skipper Robert Murphy in saying good bye to Bulldog faithful.

While the two veterans are set to bow out, draftee Patrick Lipinski will make his debut for the Dogs.
Coach Luke Beveridge says with the Dogs highly unlikely to venture past the home and away season, it gave the club a chance to send Boyd off in style.

Boyd, 35 on Sunday, hasn't played at senior level since the round 16 loss to Adelaide due to an Achilles injury and indifferent form.

"(Boyd is) playing, but whether that's a farewell game or not we don't know,' Beveridge said on Thursday.
"It's going to be pretty emotional night, because in the real world it's a very, very slim chance we can make the finals now.

"I don't usually leverage milestone games or sentiment around individuals.
"This week I think there's room to build that emotion around Bob and Matty Boyd.
"We go out there every week to win a game of football, and I think there's a little bit of stimulus there because there's romance around both boys."

While the Bulldogs are likely to become the first premier since Hawthorn in 2008 not to qualify for the finals the following year, Beveridge says he doesn't expect a massive overhaul of the club's football operations in a bid to return to premiership contention.

"I think you review your year regardless of whether or not you don't quite get to where you thought you might, or whether you've had a successful year," he said.

"We'll keep level heads, we've got an exciting young group of players, some of whom have improved and come on this year.
"Maybe some have stagnated, so we'll look at ways to stimulate our players and our club to continue on and make more a fist of it next year."

One of the young players to have shown huge improvement is Lipinski, with the Northern Knights product displaying impressive form across half-forward in the VFL after overcoming a broken collarbone.
Taken with pick 28 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, the 19-year-old wins his own football, uses it well and is strong overhead.

everidge said it was a proud moment for the youngster when former Bulldog Stephen 'Super' McPherson presented him with his number 27 guernsey prior to training on Thursday morning.

"Paddy has got most things you need from that type of player," Beveridge said.
"He covers the ground well and his skills are quite good."

[bulldogtragic]

Great for him, the club, the members and 'fans'.

[KT31]

I like to share a story from six or so years back about Matty.
One of Mattys Uncles is a friend and was getting married, so Uncle told all of his guests to book in with us and we would look after them etc.
Most of Mat's family booked in with including himself and his wife.
Matty was Doggies Captain at the time and myself, wife and pups were so chuffed at having him stay.
Unfortunately the weekend of the wedding we had to be away and the Pups couldn't meet him.
Our Manageress did get him to autograph a couple of Doggies mags with Mat's pic for them, but both were still disappointed.
We arrived back 10.30ish on the Saturday night and hoped the boys would catch him in the morning.
As unpacking the car and the courtesy bus from the wedding pulled and after a few who had their fill got out, Matty and his wife got out.( both very sober)
They both came over to me and thanked me for the lovely room etc, then Mat asked if the Pup's were still and and if he could meet them.
I quickly retreated and brought Pups out and then Matty asked if the had a footy handy.
So at 11am in my Motel car-park I had a grin ear to ear as I watched my two Pup's having a kick to kick with one of their idles.
I had to get up early the next morning to cook breaky for a few guest and went past Mats room to see if he wanted some bacon and eggs, he had left at 5.30am to get to a non compulsory training session seven hours away.
He rang back later to check if bill was settled etc and thanked me once again.
He is a cracking bloke and so glad I got to meet him in person let alone watch him hoist the Cup last year.
Hence why on the Sapphire Coast and amongst my mates he is called "The Pelican's Own".

[bornadog]

I like to share a story from six or so years back about Matty.
One of Mattys Uncles is a friend and was getting married, so Uncle told all of his guests to book in with us and we would look after them etc.
Most of Mat's family booked in with including himself and his wife.
Matty was Doggies Captain at the time and myself, wife and pups were so chuffed at having him stay.
Unfortunately the weekend of the wedding we had to be away and the Pups couldn't meet him.
Our Manageress did get him to autograph a couple of Doggies mags with Mat's pic for them, but both were still disappointed.
We arrived back 10.30ish on the Saturday night and hoped the boys would catch him in the morning.
As unpacking the car and the courtesy bus from the wedding pulled and after a few who had their fill got out, Matty and his wife got out.( both very sober)
They both came over to me and thanked me for the lovely room etc, then Mat asked if the Pup's were still and and if he could meet them.
I quickly retreated and brought Pups out and then Matty asked if the had a footy handy.
So at 11am in my Motel car-park I had a grin ear to ear as I watched my two Pup's having a kick to kick with one of their idles.
I had to get up early the next morning to cook breaky for a few guest and went past Mats room to see if he wanted some bacon and eggs, he had left at 5.30am to get to a non compulsory training session seven hours away.
He rang back later to check if bill was settled etc and thanked me once again.
He is a cracking bloke and so glad I got to meet him in person let alone watch him hoist the Cup last year.
Hence why on the Sapphire Coast and amongst my mates he is called "The Pelican's Own".

Great story, thanks for sharing.

Matt is a terrific guy. Hopefully, he has things sorted for after footy life.

[EasternWest]

I like to share a story from six or so years back about Matty.
One of Mattys Uncles is a friend and was getting married, so Uncle told all of his guests to book in with us and we would look after them etc.
Most of Mat's family booked in with including himself and his wife.
Matty was Doggies Captain at the time and myself, wife and pups were so chuffed at having him stay.
Unfortunately the weekend of the wedding we had to be away and the Pups couldn't meet him.
Our Manageress did get him to autograph a couple of Doggies mags with Mat's pic for them, but both were still disappointed.
We arrived back 10.30ish on the Saturday night and hoped the boys would catch him in the morning.
As unpacking the car and the courtesy bus from the wedding pulled and after a few who had their fill got out, Matty and his wife got out.( both very sober)
They both came over to me and thanked me for the lovely room etc, then Mat asked if the Pup's were still and and if he could meet them.
I quickly retreated and brought Pups out and then Matty asked if the had a footy handy.
So at 11am in my Motel car-park I had a grin ear to ear as I watched my two Pup's having a kick to kick with one of their idles.
I had to get up early the next morning to cook breaky for a few guest and went past Mats room to see if he wanted some bacon and eggs, he had left at 5.30am to get to a non compulsory training session seven hours away.
He rang back later to check if bill was settled etc and thanked me once again.
He is a cracking bloke and so glad I got to meet him in person let alone watch him hoist the Cup last year.
Hence why on the Sapphire Coast and amongst my mates he is called "The Pelican's Own".

Fantatstic but unsurprising. Cut from a decent cloth.

Thanks KT

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I like to share a story from six or so years back about Matty.
One of Mattys Uncles is a friend and was getting married, so Uncle told all of his guests to book in with us and we would look after them etc.
Most of Mat's family booked in with including himself and his wife.
Matty was Doggies Captain at the time and myself, wife and pups were so chuffed at having him stay.
Unfortunately the weekend of the wedding we had to be away and the Pups couldn't meet him.
Our Manageress did get him to autograph a couple of Doggies mags with Mat's pic for them, but both were still disappointed.
We arrived back 10.30ish on the Saturday night and hoped the boys would catch him in the morning.
As unpacking the car and the courtesy bus from the wedding pulled and after a few who had their fill got out, Matty and his wife got out.( both very sober)
They both came over to me and thanked me for the lovely room etc, then Mat asked if the Pup's were still and and if he could meet them.
I quickly retreated and brought Pups out and then Matty asked if the had a footy handy.
So at 11am in my Motel car-park I had a grin ear to ear as I watched my two Pup's having a kick to kick with one of their idles.
I had to get up early the next morning to cook breaky for a few guest and went past Mats room to see if he wanted some bacon and eggs, he had left at 5.30am to get to a non compulsory training session seven hours away.
He rang back later to check if bill was settled etc and thanked me once again.
He is a cracking bloke and so glad I got to meet him in person let alone watch him hoist the Cup last year.
Hence why on the Sapphire Coast and amongst my mates he is called "The Pelican's Own".

What a fantastic memory KT! Thank-you for sharing as it covers off on so many of the positive attributes that made him a great team player and leader.

[Twodogs]

I like to share a story from six or so years back about Matty.
One of Mattys Uncles is a friend and was getting married, so Uncle told all of his guests to book in with us and we would look after them etc.
Most of Mat's family booked in with including himself and his wife.
Matty was Doggies Captain at the time and myself, wife and pups were so chuffed at having him stay.
Unfortunately the weekend of the wedding we had to be away and the Pups couldn't meet him.
Our Manageress did get him to autograph a couple of Doggies mags with Mat's pic for them, but both were still disappointed.
We arrived back 10.30ish on the Saturday night and hoped the boys would catch him in the morning.
As unpacking the car and the courtesy bus from the wedding pulled and after a few who had their fill got out, Matty and his wife got out.( both very sober)
They both came over to me and thanked me for the lovely room etc, then Mat asked if the Pup's were still and and if he could meet them.
I quickly retreated and brought Pups out and then Matty asked if the had a footy handy.
So at 11am in my Motel car-park I had a grin ear to ear as I watched my two Pup's having a kick to kick with one of their idles.
I had to get up early the next morning to cook breaky for a few guest and went past Mats room to see if he wanted some bacon and eggs, he had left at 5.30am to get to a non compulsory training session seven hours away.
He rang back later to check if bill was settled etc and thanked me once again.
He is a cracking bloke and so glad I got to meet him in person let alone watch him hoist the Cup last year.
Hence why on the Sapphire Coast and amongst my mates he is called "The Pelican's Own".

Great story KT. After last night it has bought a smile to my face. But Imagine what sitting in a car for seven hours and then doing a training session is like.

[soupman]

1. Matty Boyd will make a ton of money in suburbun football next year.


Not sure if he will. I know he has ties to the amateur comp so unless he becomes a player coach (which is still very likely) he is a good possibility to not get paid unless it's under the table.

[azabob]

Great story, thanks for sharing.

Matt is a terrific guy. Hopefully, he has things sorted for after footy life.

I'm sure he is. Pretty sure he has an MBA or nearly finished it.

[comrade]

I'm sure he is. Pretty sure he has an MBA or nearly finished it.

Can definitely see him becoming a successful businessman, coach, whatever he wants. He has the killer instinct necessary for success.

Fingers crossed we retain him at the club in some way.

[Eastdog]

Great story KT31.

[Remi Moses]

Excellent story KT . Great guy Matt Boyd

[bornadog]

Matty Boyd confirmed as Development coach at Collingwood.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Matty Boyd confirmed as Development coach at Collingwood.

So the old let's have a coffee trick worked again. Happy for Boydy. He'd make a great development coach.

If coffees are the most reliable source of truth, Stringer will be at the blues next year :D

[Topdog]

Good on him. Great to see him stay involved in footy.

[bornadog]

Good on him. Great to see him stay involved in footy.

Also just finished his MBA

[ledge]

Go out get some info and experience from other clubs then come back and take us to another flag.

[Mantis]

Go out get some info and experience from other clubs then come back and take us to another flag.

What IP would we want from Collingwood?

[ledge]

What IP would we want from Collingwood?

How not to do things

[Bulldog4life]

What IP would we want from Collingwood?

Bevo was there in 2010

[EasternWest]

Did we see this: http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/letter-to-my-younger-self-matthew-boyd/

Sensational.

[azabob]

Did we see this: http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/letter-to-my-younger-self-matthew-boyd/

Sensational.

Did you read Tom Longergans? That was also a great piece of writing.

[KT31]

Did we see this: http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/letter-to-my-younger-self-matthew-boyd/

Sensational.

Thanks for posting EW, agree sensational and great read.