By Tyler Lewis
Ex-Western Bulldogs premiership player Matthew Boyd demonstrated his cool head on the big stage in the dying moments of Doveton’s drought breaking premiership.
With 292 games at the highest level, including playing an integral part in the Dogs grand final win in 2016, Boyd made it an intention of his to calm the young Doveton group down on the eve of the match against Pakenham on Sunday.
“There was not much to say before the game really, but during the week we did a bit of work,” he said.
“They asked for my advice and experience, but really it is about letting the boys settle into the process and enjoy the week.
“It is a different week, if you try to shy away from the fact it is a grand final then I don’t think you are doing it justice.
“It was just about enjoying it and worrying about the process rather than the outcome.
“The boys settled in really well, had a really good week on the track and came out to play a good brand of footy.”
When Boyd first entered the club, Doveton was starved of success, something he didn’t expect walking through the doors.
“It was a difficult period of time last year, no doubt, I probably didn’t expect what I walked into in terms of struggling for results,” he said
“And as ‘Charlesy’ mentioned, only having 42 players to pick from last year and 49 players played seniors this year. The fact of the matter is that this club is built on really good people and really good foundations.
“When they are built on good people and good values then it is just a matter of time before it turns around.
“Aaron Henwood (Doveton president) is an absolute star, and Dan Charles kept the group together.
“He (Charles) kept it positive through a tough year last year and Matthew Stapleton is a fantastic captain who galvanises this group.
“There is just three of the really good people at this footy club.”
Boyd was a regular at the centre bounce during the match, but when the Lions were surging late in the match, Boyd was playing in defence and was impenetrable, a move he said both he and Charles agreed was the right call.
“Charlesy and I have a good relationship,” he said.
“He just allows me to read the game and put myself where I need to be for the benefit of the team.
“When it got tight late, it is always handy to have an extra number back, I thought the defenders defended well all day but it is nice to have a bit of security back there, just to try and control the ball a bit when they are under the pump.”
For Doveton, it has been a long time between drinks, but for Boyd it has been just three seasons since he celebrated premiership glory with the Western Bulldogs, and said they are both important to him personally for different reasons.
“Look, they are both special in their own way,” he said.
“I was at the Bulldogs for 16 years, we broke a 64-year premiership drought, and that was a really special bunch of boys who went through some hard times as well.
“No matter where you play you want to win the ultimate prize and this is reward for all the people who have been involved in this footy club and I am just lucky to be a part of it.”
