Pressure won't get to Bulldogs' Rising Star Boyd

[bornadog]

Link (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-06-22/pressure-wont-get-to-bulldogs-rising-star-boyd-)

http://s.afl.com.au/staticfile/AFL%20Tenant/WesternBulldogs/Photo%20Galleries/2015%20-%20Galleries/RD7%20-%20Fremantle/373848-tlsnewsportrait.jpg

TOM BOYD is refusing to be distracted by debate about his mega-contract and the approach seems to be working, with the Western Bulldogs power forward named the round 12 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.

Boyd bagged 4.1 in a thumping 72-point win over the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night, which lifted the Dogs to ninth on the ladder.

The high-priced forward had some good fortune go his way for three of his goals, but he used that to build his confidence for a breakout game of 12 touches and six marks – four of which were contested.

"I suppose I've been feeling like I've been tracking in the right direction throughout the year, so to get a bit of reward on the scoreboard was definitely nice and to cap it off with a win is what we were after," Boyd told AFL.com.au.

The No.1 pick in the 2013 draft, Boyd was traded by Greater Western Sydney to the Whitten Oval last October in a stunning swap involving former Dogs skipper Ryan Griffen.

His seven-year deal at the Kennel has been estimated to be worth about $7 million, which brings the type of scrutiny precious few 19-year-olds have had to deal with.

"Day-to-day I don't think it's a real topic of my thought or my consciousness," Boyd said.

"I think sticking to the task of putting in the strong foundations of what will hopefully be a really strong AFL career in the future is really important.

"That's working on the little things day to day and things that I can put in place that will make me a consistent player."

Boyd said he maintains strong friendships at GWS, despite the fallout from his trade which saw the two clubs locked in a tense tug-of-war before the deal was done.

"I've got a lot of good friends that are still up there and I formed some terrific relationships last year and have great respect for the staff and the players up there and the club itself," he said.

"It was sad to leave them behind and I think the players each year are getting better at respecting the fact that it's just a reality of modern-day AFL and there's definitely no hard feelings."

Boyd played nine games for the Giants and booted eight goals, but as the No.1 tall target for the Dogs he's managed 15 goals from 11 games and provided a pinch-hitting option in the ruck.

While he played with a talent-packed side at GWS, the 200cm big man believes the Dogs' young pups rival the Giants' promise.

Since 2012, they have had eight Rising Star nominees – second only to the Sydney expansion club (14) – and the Dogs are in the running for what would be a shock finals berth.

"Obviously a big part of my decision when coming to the club was the exciting list we're building here," Boyd said.

"We've got some work to do and we acknowledge that, but the future is bright if we maintain our resolve and continue to build on the things that we've started to do well.

"We're not specifically focused on how many wins and losses we need to make the eight, but obviously each win is getting us a little bit closer and we'd love to play finals like every club."

[Rocket Science]

Oh good, another penetrating piece largely spent reversing over the topics of money and Boyd's former employers.

Update the stats and roll out again the next time he features in a result.

[Bulldog4life]

What I love about Tom's marking is his ability to mark the ball at it's highest point, arms out stretched. After a couple of more pre- seasons and as he gains more strength he will be extremely hard to beat in a marking duel. Hopefully lots of frees to come Tom's way in the future as full backs try anything to beat him in marking duels.

[Cyberdoggie]

What I love about Tom's marking is his ability to mark the ball at it's highest point, arms out stretched. After a couple of more pre- seasons and as he gains more strength he will be extremely hard to beat in a marking duel. Hopefully lots of frees to come Tom's way in the future as full backs try anything to beat him in marking duels.

Forget the goals (two of them were lucky free kicks) and the marks it's the other aspects that actually got me excited about his performance. Tom's physical attack on the footy, using his body to far more effect leading up to marking contests, ie shoving his opponent out the way, and most importantly his second and repeat efforts. He still has some way to go but the fact he actually showed some intensity and desire for the second effort pleased me.

Now I actually know he has it in him, no doubt in my mind now. Let's see him try and deliver it each week.

[craigsahibee]

Forget the goals (two of them were lucky free kicks) and the marks it's the other aspects that actually got me excited about his performance. Tom's physical attack on the footy, using his body to far more effect leading up to marking contests, ie shoving his opponent out the way, and most importantly his second and repeat efforts. He still has some way to go but the fact he actually showed some intensity and desire for the second effort pleased me.

Now I actually know he has it in him, no doubt in my mind now. Let's see him try and deliver it each week.

Agree. His contested marking, in the 2nd half in particular was pleasing. Tom is providing a contest each time the ball is in his area. It's refreshing to not see the ball rebound out of our Fwd 50 with ease.

[Ozza]

Forget the goals (two of them were lucky free kicks) and the marks it's the other aspects that actually got me excited about his performance. Tom's physical attack on the footy, using his body to far more effect leading up to marking contests, ie shoving his opponent out the way, and most importantly his second and repeat efforts. He still has some way to go but the fact he actually showed some intensity and desire for the second effort pleased me.

Now I actually know he has it in him, no doubt in my mind now. Let's see him try and deliver it each week.

I think both frees were definitely there - but on the second one I was hoping he just played on and kicked the easy goal, as he had it under control and would have goaled regardless. Would have been really nice for him to nail the 5th shot on goal after a good mark.

Pretty happy to see that at the half way point, our 3 best forwards;

Boyd on track for 30 goals
Dickson on track for 40 goals
Stringer on track for 50 goals.

[F'scary]

I saw the entire lead up to the first free. He was moving into position to contest the mark and his opponent just marched him into the ground without looking at the ball in flight even.

The second one, yeah I wish play on was called too because he was just about to slot it over his shoulder.

[Rocket Science]

Sorry to harp but...

Western Bulldog Tom Boyd not yet risen despite $6m contract (http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/western-bulldog-tom-boyd-not-yet-risen-despite-6m-contract-20150623-ghvrx1.html)

That newsflash courtesy of Michael Gleeson, who goes on to add...

"it does raise a reasonable question of the AFL and its Rising Star award...how can you be considered rising when someone has already signed you on terms that would suggest you have risen?".

FFS.

[Ozza]

Must be a slow news week if this rubbish is being trotted out.

[Greystache]

More fish and chip wrapper.

No mention that Jesse Hogan is ACTUALLY being paid $550-600K this season despite having never played a game previously, and has also been nominated for the rising star.

[LostDoggy]

Sorry to harp but...

Western Bulldog Tom Boyd not yet risen despite $6m contract (http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/western-bulldog-tom-boyd-not-yet-risen-despite-6m-contract-20150623-ghvrx1.html)

That newsflash courtesy of Michael Gleeson, who goes on to add...

"it does raise a reasonable question of the AFL and its Rising Star award...how can you be considered rising when someone has already signed you on terms that would suggest you have risen?".

FFS.
Get used to it, he will be ferociously hated and reviled for picking us over Carlton or one of the big clubs. Like Grant, he will be considered less purely for the colours running around his chest.

[The bulldog tragician]

Sorry to harp but...

Western Bulldog Tom Boyd not yet risen despite $6m contract (http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/western-bulldog-tom-boyd-not-yet-risen-despite-6m-contract-20150623-ghvrx1.html)

That newsflash courtesy of Michael Gleeson, who goes on to add...

"it does raise a reasonable question of the AFL and its Rising Star award...how can you be considered rising when someone has already signed you on terms that would suggest you have risen?".

FFS.
Michael Gleeson also wrote the article about us being 'irrelevant' last year. It seems the media can't make up their mind; they criticise us for being anonymously in the shadows, but resent the audacity of us making a bold move.

However, if anyone can handle the snide nitpicking, it's Tom. His attitude is so composed and mature. I am sure he will withstand the constant harping on his salary and prove why he will earn every cent.

[Happy Days]

More fish and chip wrapper.

No mention that Jesse Hogan is ACTUALLY being paid $550-600K this season despite having never played a game previously, and has also been nominated for the rising star.

But don't you just love the way he plays the game? I know I just love the way he goes about it and that makes him infallible. He took a mark in the wet once! And what about that SWAGGER. Who cares about facts, statistics, or measurable ability, I'd like to see Tom Boyd make a statement like that through intangibles, where the game is really played.

Plus I'm pretty sure he wants it more and won't accept mediocrity as easily. Did I mention SWAGGER~! ?

[LostDoggy]

Intelligent watchers of football will realise that Tom's value to our team currently extends well past the stats. Our forward line is functioning better as a direct result of having an athletic 200cm player down there who must be watched closely and who has the ability to bring the ball to ground.

[Dancin' Douggy]

Intelligent watchers of football will realise that Tom's value to our team currently extends well past the stats. Our forward line is functioning better as a direct result of having an athletic 200cm player down there who must be watched closely and who has the ability to bring the ball to ground.

Great post Hobdog...............and it makes me think...........I don't think I've ever seen him outmarked?
It's like he decides early if he's gonna mark the incoming ball or not, and if he knows he can't mark it. (sometimes it's pretty simple physics and geometry) he decides to spoil. This is an incredibly intelligent strategy for such a young player.
So now I ask again woofers. Can anyone recall him being outmarked? I can't.

[LostDoggy]

Great post Hobdog...............and it makes me think...........I don't think I've ever seen him outmarked?
It's like he decides early if he's gonna mark the incoming ball or not, and if he knows he can't mark it. (sometimes it's pretty simple physics and geometry) he decides to spoil. This is an incredibly intelligent strategy for such a young player.
So now I ask again woofers. Can anyone recall him being outmarked? I can't.
If I did, one look at the haircut and my mind was wiped.

[SlimPickens]

Great post Hobdog...............and it makes me think...........I don't think I've ever seen him outmarked?
It's like he decides early if he's gonna mark the incoming ball or not, and if he knows he can't mark it. (sometimes it's pretty simple physics and geometry) he decides to spoil. This is an incredibly intelligent strategy for such a young player.
So now I ask again woofers. Can anyone recall him being outmarked? I can't.

I was talking about this with someone the other day. In recent weeks I'd say no, however I reckon McGovern would have in round 1.
The development in Toms game this year has been very good so far. Looking forward to him monstering many a defender over the remainder of the year.

[Twodogs]

Forget the goals (two of them were lucky free kicks) and the marks it's the other aspects that actually got me excited about his performance. Tom's physical attack on the footy, using his body to far more effect leading up to marking contests, ie shoving his opponent out the way, and most importantly his second and repeat efforts. He still has some way to go but the fact he actually showed some intensity and desire for the second effort pleased me.

Now I actually know he has it in him, no doubt in my mind now. Let's see him try and deliver it each week.


And teammates, hello to Jake Stringer...

[Sedat]

But don't you just love the way he plays the game? I know I just love the way he goes about it and that makes him infallible. He took a mark in the wet once! And what about that SWAGGER. Who cares about facts, statistics, or measurable ability, I'd like to see Tom Boyd make a statement like that through intangibles, where the game is really played.

Plus I'm pretty sure he wants it more and won't accept mediocrity as easily. Did I mention SWAGGER~! ?
It's easy for the acolytes in the media to follow Wayne Carey's lead and hitch themselves to the Jesse Hogan bandwagon, whilst at the same time tut-tut at Boyd's contract. I really like Hogan and reckon he will be a gun, but it's neck and neck right now between him and Boyd and I don't think that will change much in the ensuing years. Hogan will be on the same coin as Boyd soon enough, possibly on more.

I have found the whole Boyd trash-talking from the likes of Carey, Matthews and Lloyd quite unedifying to be honest. Hoping that a kid fails in their career is as low as it gets, but then again Matthews was deregistered as a player for a violent and unprovoked attack on an unsuspecting target. He also ended Ken Hunter's career with a deliberate knees into the back, which ruined Hunter's career - my Carlton mates are still filthy about this 30 years on.

[LostDoggy]

It's easy for the acolytes in the media to follow Wayne Carey's lead and hitch themselves to the Jesse Hogan bandwagon, whilst at the same time tut-tut at Boyd's contract. I really like Hogan and reckon he will be a gun, but it's neck and neck right now between him and Boyd and I don't think that will change much in the ensuing years. Hogan will be on the same coin as Boyd soon enough, possibly on more.

I have found the whole Boyd trash-talking from the likes of Carey, Matthews and Lloyd quite unedifying to be honest. Hoping that a kid fails in their career is as low as it gets, but then again Matthews was deregistered as a player for a violent and unprovoked attack on an unsuspecting target. He also ended Ken Hunter's career with a deliberate knees into the back, which ruined Hunter's career - my Carlton mates are still filthy about this 30 years on.

He still remains the only player in history to be charged with assault by the police for an on-field incident.

[bornadog]

He still remains the only player in history to be charged with assault by the police for an on-field incident.

He is not a very nice person that is for sure.

[Twodogs]

Barrie Robran, was it?

[westdog54]

It's easy for the acolytes in the media to follow Wayne Carey's lead and hitch themselves to the Jesse Hogan bandwagon, whilst at the same time tut-tut at Boyd's contract. I really like Hogan and reckon he will be a gun, but it's neck and neck right now between him and Boyd and I don't think that will change much in the ensuing years. Hogan will be on the same coin as Boyd soon enough, possibly on more.

I have found the whole Boyd trash-talking from the likes of Carey, Matthews and Lloyd quite unedifying to be honest. Hoping that a kid fails in their career is as low as it gets, but then again Matthews was deregistered as a player for a violent and unprovoked attack on an unsuspecting target. He also ended Ken Hunter's career with a deliberate knees into the back, which ruined Hunter's career - my Carlton mates are still filthy about this 30 years on.

Lets not forget that Hogan's contract came before he'd played a SINGLE game? He'd quite literally done nothing.

[westdog54]

Barrie Robran, was it?

The bloke Matthews hit? IT was Neville Bruns.

[jeemak]

It's easy for the acolytes in the media to follow Wayne Carey's lead and hitch themselves to the Jesse Hogan bandwagon, whilst at the same time tut-tut at Boyd's contract. I really like Hogan and reckon he will be a gun, but it's neck and neck right now between him and Boyd and I don't think that will change much in the ensuing years. Hogan will be on the same coin as Boyd soon enough, possibly on more.

I have found the whole Boyd trash-talking from the likes of Carey, Matthews and Lloyd quite unedifying to be honest. Hoping that a kid fails in their career is as low as it gets, but then again Matthews was deregistered as a player for a violent and unprovoked attack on an unsuspecting target. He also ended Ken Hunter's career with a deliberate knees into the back, which ruined Hunter's career - my Carlton mates are still filthy about this 30 years on.

I think the extra year in the system has put Hogan a little ahead of Boyd at the moment, but once Boyd's fitness and body catches up to where Hogan's is it will be interesting to see their respective progress. I found the Carey article quite funny, Happy Days talks to the jerking over intangibles that pervade a lot of football commentary, and it's all fairly unsophisticated.

As for the second part of your post, we as a society seem to relish in the opinion and presence of thugs on our television. Campbell Brown, Barry Hall, Leigh Matthews and Wayne Carey are all prominent and a mix of people who have committed acts of pure bastardry on and off the field, and we reward them with plumb jobs and high profiles.

[Twodogs]

The bloke Matthews hit? IT was Neville Bruns.

Mathews also managed to break Robrans knee in a game but I can't remember whether it was a SAv Vic or a Hawthorn v North Adelaide (?). Whatever I know that Lethal isn't the most welcome of football guests in SA. He's about as popular as a fart in an elevator amongst some people in Adelaide.

[Bulldog4life]

Mathews also managed to break Robrans knee in a game but I can't remember whether it was a SAv Vic or a Hawthorn v North Adelaide (?). Whatever I know that Lethal isn't the most welcome of football guests in SA. He's about as popular as a fart in an elevator amongst some people in Adelaide.

Also knocked out Barry Cable in Mathews first State game