Matthew Boyd tipped to be Bulldogs skipper

[The Coon Dog]

Mark Stevens - Herald Sun - 21 Jan

MATTHEW Boyd is expected to be named Western Bulldogs skipper today, despite late threats from a long list of challengers headed by Adam Cooney and Ben Hudson.

Boyd, a 2009 All-Australian and top-10 finisher in last year's Brownlow Medal, ticks all the leadership boxes in the Bulldogs' search for a replacement for the retired Brad Johnson.

Boyd, 28, has the potential to fill the role for four to five years, and appears the safest choice as the Dogs strive to strike while their premiership window remains open.

Article in full...

[Mantis]

Stevo is generally on the ball when it comes to all things Bulldog, I wonder if it will continue??

I didn't really like this bit, playing safe hasn't got us anywhere over the past couple of years. If Boyd is the best candidate he is the correct choice, but to imply he will get the job because it's a 'safe' pick doesn't sit well with me.

Boyd, 28, has the potential to fill the role for four to five years, and appears the safest choice as the Dogs strive to strike while their premiership window remains open.

[Throughandthrough]

It will be Boyd.

[GVGjr]

Stevo is generally on the ball when it comes to all things Bulldog, I wonder if it will continue??

I didn't really like this bit, playing safe hasn't got us anywhere over the past couple of years. If Boyd is the best candidate he is the correct choice, but to imply he will get the job because it's a 'safe' pick doesn't sit well with me.

Im not sure why you would think the one guy who challenges his colleagues to lift is a safe bet appointment. It sounds like a smart appointment if true.

[Mantis]

Im not sure why you would think the one guy who challenges his colleagues to lift is a safe bet appointment. It sounds like a smart appointment if true.

I just don't like the statement. We went 'safe' with our selections in the finals last year and playing 'safe' doesn't work.

And I have no problem with Boyd challenging his team-mates, in fact I think it's a great trait that you are able to criticise your peers (within reason of course)... I just hope his peers are/ were able to give him some feedback on his pretty disappointing end to the 2010 season and he is able to improve his game to help us take the extra step.

[Ozza]

I just don't like the statement. We went 'safe' with our selections in the finals last year and playing 'safe' doesn't work.

And I have no problem with Boyd challenging his team-mates, in fact I think it's a great trait that you are able to criticise your peers (within reason of course)... I just hope his peers are/ were able to give him some feedback on his pretty disappointing end to the 2010 season and he is able to improve his game to help us take the extra step.

Spot on.

[KT31]

Congrats Matty Boyd.
Hopefully you will be a flag winning captain.

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/se...0/default.aspx

[GVGjr]

I just don't like the statement. We went 'safe' with our selections in the finals last year and playing 'safe' doesn't work.

In my opinion you are giving the 'safe' comment way too much weight and basically that is just Stevo's comment anyway and I think he got it wrong.

The main part I got from the article is Eades comment:
"At the end of the day it was probably just (Boyd’s) influence on the rest of the group across the whole spectrum. That’s training, playing, on the field and off the field.’’

I think this point is spot on.

[Ghost Dog]

I'm always wary of people who go the spray too often. It shows lack of skill in dealing with people more often than not. As a teacher, sometimes it works but with certain students it has little effect, indeed the opposite. Hopefully he gets some training to understand how to get the most out of his intensity.
Bit of fire may just get us over the line this year.