Trimmed-down Tom Boyd feeling more mobile - ( EXCITING )

[bornadog]

Link (http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2015-02-23/boyd-trim-and-mobile)


http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/staticfile/AFL%20Tenant/WesternBulldogs/Photo%20Galleries/2015%20-%20Galleries/WB%20Player%20Portraits/357120-tlsnewsportrait.jpg

A leaner Tom Boyd is confident his trimmer frame will be better equipped for AFL football after feeling too heavy during his first season for Greater Western Sydney.


The new Western Bulldog, who is set to make his debut for the club in its NAB Challenge opener on Saturday against Richmond, has dropped 3kg over the pre-season.


He has also turned weight into muscle, leaving him more prepared for his second AFL season after struggling to cover the ground at times for the Giants.


"From my point of view I was probably less mobile than I was in the past, but I'm a big guy and I always have been," Boyd said on Monday.


"It was probably more from a development point of view that I didn't realise what weight I could play at. It was a really good learning curve for me to assess where my body's at, and what I can handle at AFL level.


"Obviously I had no idea what the standard would be like, but I'm a bit lighter this year and looking to have a good year."


Boyd enters his career at the Bulldogs with new expectations placed upon him.


He knows they are natural from those outside the club – his long-term multi-million dollar deal has already attracted plenty of opinions.


But he sees the views of those inside Whitten Oval, where he will meet the Tigers on Saturday, as most important.


"I am 19, but at the same time I am here to play the best footy I can and that's always been my goal at whatever level I've played and whatever age group," Boyd said.


"I'll be looking to make as much ground as I can and look to improve every chance I get.


"For those who know me, my goals and aspirations are fairly high anyway. And they're not going to change for any speculation outside of the club or people I don't personally know. I'll be aiming to get the most of myself and outside opinions won't change that."


Giants coach Leon Cameron told AFL.com.au last week that Boyd struggled with homesickness in his year at the club, saying "he probably felt his football wasn't doing the talking".


Boyd, who was the No.1 NAB AFL Draft pick in 2013, said he enjoyed being back home in Victoria, and noticed the change it had brought in his football.


"My general demeanour is a bit more balanced down here and it's been really good getting to see my family a little bit more, who I'm really close with," Boyd said.


"I've settled into the club extremely well and the boys have been really good to me. I just can't wait to get into games and hopefully put it out on the park."

[Greystache]

In the limited bits I've seen of him at training he's certainly moving better than in the games I saw him play last year. I still think he'll struggle a bit this season given his preseason has been pretty interrupted and he's really only been training full time for 2 months. If he can show some of the talent he's displayed as a junior and have an impact in patches at AFL level then I'll be happy enough with his 2015.

[bulldogtragic]

In the limited bits I've seen of him at training he's certainly moving better than in the games I saw him play last year. I still think he'll struggle a bit this season given his preseason has been pretty interrupted and he's really only been training full time for 2 months. If he can show some of the talent he's displayed as a junior and have an impact in patches at AFL level then I'll be happy enough with his 2015.

This. We don't need 100 goal or 100 goal expectations. Hawkins and Cloke took a while to get there and here they are. If we can see glimpes or patches of what he can do I will be stoked and I think his confidence will rise. Like Stringer before him, once they get strong and believe they can do it at the level, then watch out.

The pay off is in 5 years when every commentator talks about how they supported the Gryphon/Boyd trade and were always backing Boyd to dominate. But until then, small glimpes of talent and application are great.

[lemmon]

Honestly I'd be pretty content if we got 18 games and 18 goals in the seniors from Tommy. He's going to take time, the most important thing is time on the park

[Remi Moses]

It's getting games into Tom Is going to be crucial. The media swing in the breeze to be honest.
Jake Niall, Caroline Wilson are two I look forward to hearing from if the Boyd trade is a raging success.
I'm sure they'll go silent

[jeemak]

It's getting games into Tom Is going to be crucial. The media swing in the breeze to be honest.
Jake Niall, Caroline Wilson are two I look forward to hearing from if the Boyd trade is a raging success.
I'm sure they'll go silent

The latter seemed to think that due to AFL special assistance being granted to our club we shouldn't be using our salary cap to lure marquee players, or pay part of our defecting ex-captain's forthcoming wages.

I'm looking for something similar to what TD has stated, with possibly a little more impact on the score board. 1.25 to 1.5 goals a game would be a really good return from him.

[Flamethrower]

Tom Boyd keeps getting richer and richer......first the Age reported he was getting $6m over 6 years. Then it was $7m, and tonight channel 7 has told us he is on $8m a season.

By round 1 he will be at the top of Forbes rich list with Bill Gates et al.

[F'scary]

Tom Boyd keeps getting richer and richer......first the Age reported he was getting $6m over 6 years. Then it was $7m, and tonight channel 7 has told us he is on $8m a season.

By round 1 he will be at the top of Forbes rich list with Bill Gates et al.

It's the endorsements.

[ratsmac]

This. We don't need 100 goal or 100 goal expectations. Hawkins and Cloke took a while to get there and here they are. If we can see glimpes or patches of what he can do I will be stoked and I think his confidence will rise. Like Stringer before him, once they get strong and believe they can do it at the level, then watch out.

The pay off is in 5 years when every commentator talks about how they supported the Gryphon/Boyd trade and were always backing Boyd to dominate. But until then, small glimpes of talent and application are great.

Remember that nab cup game against Hawthorn (I think) when Jake Stringer stepped around a couple of Hawthorn defenders and kicked a checkside goal from 50 out on the boundary? We knew right then we had a player. If Tom Boyd can give us a teaser on Saturday like Jake did a couple years ago, there will be a lot of bulldog supporters with big smiles on their face. And in the wake of shocktober that will mean a lot and could sell memberships.

[bulldogtragic]

Remember that nab cup game against Hawthorn (I think) when Jake Stringer stepped around a couple of Hawthorn defenders and kicked a checkside goal from 50 out on the boundary? We knew right then we had a player. If Tom Boyd can give us a teaser on Saturday like Jake did a couple years ago, there will be a lot of bulldog supporters with big smiles on their face. And in the wake of shocktober that will mean a lot and could sell memberships.

I remember, still shocked he tried it. :) Most kids wouldn't dare dream, let alone have ago and be able to pull it off. It's exactly these things that can get us through a possible lean year. Hope is a powerful thing.

[wimberga]

Honestly I'd be pretty content if we got 18 games and 18 goals in the seniors from Tommy. He's going to take time, the most important thing is time on the park

This is it for me too - something around the 20-25 goal mark is certainly a pass for Tom in his first year. It's not like he is slotting into a final 4 side and the guy is still a teenager. But from. Humble beginnings do all champions grow....

[LostDoggy]

Expecting nothing short of the Coleman. We've simply paid him too much money to accept a goal kicking tally less than 75.

[1eyedog]

Expecting nothing short of the Coleman. We've simply paid him too much money to accept a goal kicking tally less than 75.

Not this year we haven't but next year I expect a ton.
I don't really have a total goal tally in mind and I'm sure the coaches don't either. I Would be happy to simply see a real target in the goal square. One that can contest and create opportunities for others. If he can just look like he fits in, (as opposed to being all over the place ala Jones) then I'll be happy. If he can take a few big strong marks I'll probably wet myself and go into instance bromance mode.

[westdog54]

Its a damning indictement of his preparation and handling whilst at GWS, isn't it. When is the last time we were reporting a 2nd year player having 'trimmed down'? Its usually the other way around.

We'll see the first signs of the real Tom Boyd this year, not the "13 Goals" that some journos keep alluding to.

[Mofra]

Remember that nab cup game against Hawthorn (I think) when Jake Stringer stepped around a couple of Hawthorn defenders and kicked a checkside goal from 50 out on the boundary? We knew right then we had a player. If Tom Boyd can give us a teaser on Saturday like Jake did a couple years ago, there will be a lot of bulldog supporters with big smiles on their face. And in the wake of shocktober that will mean a lot and could sell memberships.
The first big grab he takes will be played endlessly.

It may not beat the 824,967 times I've watched Bonti's goal, but it will be all over the Bulldog & AFL websites for sure. The exposure will be nice.

[bornadog]

Remember that nab cup game against Hawthorn (I think) when Jake Stringer stepped around a couple of Hawthorn defenders and kicked a checkside goal from 50 out on the boundary? We knew right then we had a player. If Tom Boyd can give us a teaser on Saturday like Jake did a couple years ago, there will be a lot of bulldog supporters with big smiles on their face. And in the wake of shocktober that will mean a lot and could sell memberships.



http://youtu.be/E6g7gNd28Sw

[F'scary]

Oh Yeah!

[Happy Days]

I too would be happy with ~20 goals, I'm just terrified about the reaction from the normies if it happens.

[Cyberdoggie]

I too would be happy with ~20 goals, I'm just terrified about the reaction from the normies if it happens.

I'd be happy with some strong marking in the forward 50 and not seeing his opponents take clean marks or take it away from the contest.

Having someone like Boyd there will do wonders for Stringer and Crameri and even the smalls to crumb to a decent target.

[westdog54]

http://youtu.be/E6g7gNd28Sw

That defender wasn't any old defender either. One Sam Mitchell was made to look rather silly in that clip.

[jeemak]

http://youtu.be/E6g7gNd28Sw

Ha, not quite 50 from the boundary but sensational nonetheless!

In a few years time it will be from row j, level three...... :)

[westdog54]

Another J. Stringer beauty from that year.


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

If Boydy can get in a couple of these with a big grab or two or a boomer from outside 50 I'll be ecstatic.

[LostDoggy]

Another J. Stringer beauty from that year.


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

If Boydy can get in a couple of these with a big grab or two or a boomer from outside 50 I'll be ecstatic.
Was that the game where MBoyd took him to task for over-celebration?

[1eyedog]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQQG9vOv5mc

This is quickly turning into a Jake Stringer love fest.

[Happy Days]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQQG9vOv5mc

This is quickly turning into a Jake Stringer love fest.

The best part of this video will always be String looking up and deciding not to kick it to Tutt.

[F'scary]

Back on topic...

It's funny but 3kg doesn't sound like that much. But on the other hand, if you think of 6 tubs of margerine, it sort of is...

[boydogs]

Back on topic...

It's funny but 3kg doesn't sound like that much. But on the other hand, if you think of 6 tubs of margerine, it sort of is...

He has turned fat into muscle as well. It's very unusual that a 2nd year player would be dropping weight at all, they do a lot of bulking up

[bornadog]

He has turned fat into muscle as well. It's very unusual that a 2nd year player would be dropping weight at all, they do a lot of bulking up

Still only 19 years old and not 20 till August. His body will go through a bit of change in the next few years, just hope he remains fairly agile. Needs to build his core strength.

[F'scary]

He has turned fat into muscle as well. It's very unusual that a 2nd year player would be dropping weight at all, they do a lot of bulking up

True - proof that GWS were Hansel-ing him.

[jeemak]

Back on topic...

It's funny but 3kg doesn't sound like that much. But on the other hand, if you think of 6 tubs of margerine, it sort of is...


He has turned fat into muscle as well. It's very unusual that a 2nd year player would be dropping weight at all, they do a lot of bulking up

3kg is a fair amount of weight to lose in an elite environment, especially if you've been changing your body profile towards higher muscle mass in the process. A hard preseason in the gym on a lean but large player can result in a gain of 3-4kg's, so if Boyd has managed to lose three kg's and has noticeably increased his muscle mass then he must have been a regular butter ball last year relative to others in the system.

It's easy to ping this on GWS's management of him, but I suspect a fair bit of it had to do with Boyd's attitude towards football and his environment.

[westdog54]

3kg is a fair amount of weight to lose in an elite environment, especially if you've been changing your body profile towards higher muscle mass in the process. A hard preseason in the gym on a lean but large player can result in a gain of 3-4kg's, so if Boyd has managed to lose three kg's and has noticeably increased his muscle mass then he must have been a regular butter ball last year relative to others in the system.

It's easy to ping this on GWS's management of him, but I suspect a fair bit of it had to do with Boyd's attitude towards football and his environment.

Then why did he play 9 games if he wasn't doing what was expected of him?

[jeemak]

Then why did he play 9 games if he wasn't doing what was expected of him?

Sometimes people aren't happy and it affects their ability to learn new concepts and disciplines, and this is a fairly common theme across draftees who move interstate. It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with them, or that they're not trying to do the right thing.

[LostDoggy]

Sometimes people aren't happy and it affects their ability to learn new concepts and disciplines, and this is a fairly common theme across draftees who move interstate. It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with them, or that they're not trying to do the right thing.

It certainly seems to be the case. It amazes me sometimes because I, as a 19 year old, simply couldn't wait to get out from underneath the family umbrella and deliberately picked WA as a preferred posting due to the distance from Victoria. Wanted to get out on my own steam. I did eventually return home to Victoria for greater job opportunities but I certainly wasn't under-performing or unhappy when I was in WA, quite the opposite. I revelled in the freedom and independence.

Kids these days, eh? Maybe they've got better families and friend circles than I do.

[hujsh]

It certainly seems to be the case. It amazes me sometimes because I, as a 19 year old, simply couldn't wait to get out from underneath the family umbrella and deliberately picked WA as a preferred posting due to the distance from Victoria. Wanted to get out on my own steam. I did eventually return home to Victoria for greater job opportunities but I certainly wasn't under-performing or unhappy when I was in WA, quite the opposite. I revelled in the freedom and independence.

Kids these days, eh? Maybe they've got better families and friend circles than I do.

It's not a generational change in attitude but just a different environment. More people are expected to go to uni which takes time and there are less and less full or part time jobs unless you are experienced in the role. The workforce has been increasingly casualised

[Twodogs]

3kg is a fair amount of weight to lose in an elite environment, especially if you've been changing your body profile towards higher muscle mass in the process. A hard preseason in the gym on a lean but large player can result in a gain of 3-4kg's, so if Boyd has managed to lose three kg's and has noticeably increased his muscle mass then he must have been a regular butter ball last year relative to others in the system.

It's easy to ping this on GWS's management of him, but I suspect a fair bit of it had to do with Boyd's attitude towards football and his environment.


I completely unserstand his point of view. I couldn't live or be at my best in Sydney. The place just doesn't appeal to me. No offence to people who live in Sydney or anything, it's me not Sydney I'm sure.

Albury has the same effect on me.

[F'scary]

I completely unserstand his point of view. I couldn't live or be at my best in Sydney. The place just doesn't appeal to me. No offence to people who live in Sydney or anything, it's me not Sydney I'm sure.

Albury has the same effect on me.

You can't underestimate homesickness.

[Twodogs]

You can't underestimate homesickness.


I understand he has a strong network of family and friends. The club will be the beneficiary of having him back and settled amongst it.

[dog town]

Are we all convinced lighter is the way to go for Boyd? I haven't made up my mind on it yet but he is never going to be an elite runner or beat guys with his agility. He is going to be your Kurt Tippett/Tom Hawkins style beast. Obviously he can get stronger without getting heavier but it will be interesting to see if in 2 years time we are debating whether he should just go the other way and get huge.

[bulldogtragic]

I think some of the weight was puppy fat, but he will continue to get stronger, harder, fitter and better and not carrying excess weight will help that. His contested gather and handball to Honeychurch for the last goal was even better on the replay. There's a lot to love over a long career ahead.

[bornadog]

I think some of the weight was puppy fat, but he will continue to get stronger, harder, fitter and better and not carrying excess weight will help that. His contested gather and handball to Honeychurch for the last goal was even better on the replay. There's a lot to love over a long career ahead.

13 disposals is not bad for a big forward, even though he did spend some time in the ruck. I happy with what I saw for a practice match.

[bulldogtragic]

13 disposals is not bad for a big forward, even though he did spend some time in the ruck. I happy with what I saw for a practice match.

Yep, his non stats were the good thing. Presence in the air, strong on his feet, happy to contest for the footy, ability and want to run. Apparently you can't teach these things to some tall kids, or so a long list of failed talls of ours proved, so that's good to see.

[lemmon]

Yep, his non stats were the good thing. Presence in the air, strong on his feet, happy to contest for the footy, ability and want to run. Apparently you can't teach these things to some tall kids, or so a long list of failed talls of ours proved, so that's good to see.

Completely agree, that was the most encouraging thing for mine. At one point in the third he was contesting a long kick deep forward against three defenders with one holding him out of the contest allowing Dylan Grimes to come back and take the mark.
This brought a few groans but it was a huge positive in my mind, he was drawing a big crowd already and 7 times out of 10 he'll be able to get to that contest, hit the body and that ball spills where our numbers should be.

If this is his standard game across the season I'll be pretty content with that, solid contributions while continuing to flash those 'big paws on a puppy' moments

[josie]

Completely agree, that was the most encouraging thing for mine. At one point in the third he was contesting a long kick deep forward against three defenders with one holding him out of the contest allowing Dylan Grimes to come back and take the mark.
This brought a few groans but it was a huge positive in my mind, he was drawing a big crowd already and 7 times out of 10 he'll be able to get to that contest, hit the body and that ball spills where our numbers should be.

If this is his standard game across the season I'll be pretty content with that, solid contributions while continuing to flash those 'big paws on a puppy' moments

Love the analogy Lemmon - gonna use this myself.

[bulldogtragic]

Completely agree, that was the most encouraging thing for mine. At one point in the third he was contesting a long kick deep forward against three defenders with one holding him out of the contest allowing Dylan Grimes to come back and take the mark.
This brought a few groans but it was a huge positive in my mind, he was drawing a big crowd already and 7 times out of 10 he'll be able to get to that contest, hit the body and that ball spills where our numbers should be.

If this is his standard game across the season I'll be pretty content with that, solid contributions while continuing to flash those 'big paws on a puppy' moments

Over time this will be massive. I recall a few times yesterday where I wanted Redpath and a roughy to be further away to split the defenders. If two or three defenders are required over the years to stop him, the likes of Dickson/Grant need to get free and hurt with less checking.

[lemmon]

Love the analogy Lemmon - gonna use this myself.

I stole it myself from The Wire!

[Maddog37]

Boyds ability to get a handball to a runner is very impressive.

[Remi Moses]

Completely agree, that was the most encouraging thing for mine. At one point in the third he was contesting a long kick deep forward against three defenders with one holding him out of the contest allowing Dylan Grimes to come back and take the mark.
This brought a few groans but it was a huge positive in my mind, he was drawing a big crowd already and 7 times out of 10 he'll be able to get to that contest, hit the body and that ball spills where our numbers should be.

If this is his standard game across the season I'll be pretty content with that, solid contributions while continuing to flash those 'big paws on a puppy' moments

Great post . Exactly what I gleaned