Young gets lost as a defender, doesn't know where to look or run, he's a liability one on one or in space. Good speed, size, hands and kick but his awareness is a concern
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Young gets lost as a defender, doesn't know where to look or run, he's a liability one on one or in space. Good speed, size, hands and kick but his awareness is a concern
Boyd set for VFL return from injury
Injury-plagued Western Bulldogs star Tom Boyd could make an earlier than expected return to action this weekend while Norm Smith medallist Jason Johannisen is in the frame to make his first appearance of 2019.
Dogs coach Luke Beveridge says former No.1 draft pick Boyd, recruited to the Bulldogs in 2014 from GWS, is likely to feature in the VFL side when it takes on Collingwood in the curtain raiser to Friday's MCG blockbuster between the two clubs.
The power forward played a key role in the Bulldogs' surprise 2016 premiership success with a near-best-on-ground display in the grand final when he kicked three goals.
But his contribution has been limited since.
Boyd was ruled out of the last few rounds of the home-and-away season last year with an ongoing back injury, and has not played this season as the Bulldogs got off to a flying start with wins over Sydney and Hawthorn before coming back to earth in their home loss to Gold Coast on Sunday.
In 2017 Boyd had also been absent from the game because of mental health issues.
When discussing the Dogs' ruck stocks in the wake of the suprise loss to Gold Coast, Beveridge canvassed the idea of Boyd returning quicker than some had forecast.
''Tommy Boyd will probably play next week, more than likely,'' Beveridge said.
Asked if that would be through the VFL, Beveridge said that would be the case.
''He has missed a lot of footy, Tom, he will need to get his match fitness up.''
The Bulldogs have also been without ruckman Jackson Trengrove but he too might be in a position to get some game time against the Pies in the VFL.
Speedster Johannisen could be in line for a return from injury against Collingwood with a decision to be made later in the week after his training performances have been monitored.
Good news all round. Would be great to see Tom force his way back into the side. We will be better for it.
As much as I think we need a fit Tom Boyd from a team balance perspective I'd love to see him come back for his own well being. He needs a decent run at it to get his confidence back
Player Injury Duration
Jackson Trengove ankle test Jason Johannisen ankle test Lin Jong hamstring test Tom Boyd back test Buku Khamis knee 3-4 weeks Laitham Vandermeer hamstring 3-4 weeks Ben Cavarra ribs 3-5 weeks Dale Morris knee indefinite * Injury list updated on Monday 8 April, 2019
We're already starting to see the benefits of moving on some of our more unreliable injury prone players & those with ACL's, hopefully we can stay healthy and build cohesion
This has to be the best position we have been in from an injury perspective for many years.
Kudos to the medicos for getting him back so quickly.
Looks like Fergus Greene will be out a while, I am hearing broken ankle.
He was coming along nicely too.