Tom Boyd finally feels he belongs at AFL level as he can match it physically with senior opponents

Boyd was one of the matchwinners for the Bulldogs in the drought-breaking premiership victory, starring with three goals from 14 disposals and eight marks playing up forward and in the ruck.

Much maligned throughout the season and in his first two years as a Bulldog after his high-profile switch from GWS to the Whitten Oval, Boyd has quietly been going about his business and developing his body for the rigours of AFL football.

While his hefty price tag has generated the most attention, Boyd’s hard work in the gym and on the training track to become a versatile big man is finally paying off and earning him attention of a different kind.

“Over the last pre-season increasing my running power (was a focus) and being my third year in the AFL I’m starting to feel like physically and aerobically I’m really matching it with the players that I’ve got to deal with,” Boyd said. “There are a lot of older backmen still playing in the league.

“That was the main thing, getting myself to a level of conditioning so I could compete week to week.

“I suppose from a consistency point of view it’s probably been my best year.

“There was a lot of improvement and it was great to cap off the year with a Grand Final win in an unbelievable set of circumstances. I’m really proud.”

Twelve months ago Boyd was playing VFL as the Western Bulldogs qualified for an unlikely finals appearance but now the 38-game veteran is a key part of coach Luke Beveridge’s team.

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He has found his niche as a tall forward who can go into the ruck, with his mobility around the ground making him the perfect modern-day back-up.

Boyd, 21, is working towards making that role more permanent, and will tailor his training over the pre-season to maintain strength and build on his endurance.

“I was really big when I was up there (GWS), I did a lot of weights and I was strong but you still need to be able to cover the ground,” Boyd told the club’s website.

“I’m somewhere in the middle — increasing my running power (is a focus) and finding a way to be strong enough and mobile enough to be able to play both ruck and forward is really important.”

Travis Cloke will join Boyd in the Bulldogs forward line next season, with the former Magpies All-Australian keen to start working with the young star.

The opportunity to join forces with the former No.1 draft pick, who earned votes for the Norm Smith Medal, was one of the main reasons why Cloke chose the Bulldogs as his new home.

“I’ve taken a bit of an interest in his football over the last few years, since he made the move to the Dogs, it’s been well publicised, the pressure that he’s under,” Cloke said. “He’s got so much potential and I’d love to help him out where I can.

“Sitting back and seeing the way Boydy played in that Grand Final was fantastic. For me to work with him and develop both our games together is what I’m here for.”