With ruckman Jordan Roughead still at least a week away from senior selection, Tom Boyd will likely shoulder the majority of the ruck work against the Eagles tonight in Perth, and that’s ok with coach Luke Beveridge.

While Boyd was drafted out of the Eastern Ranges as a key forward in 2013, team needs have seen him in the ruck more than draft scouts would have anticipated back in 2013, but his ability to influence games from that position is continuing to grow.

The Bulldogs played 190cm Josh Dunkley in the ruck during the first term against Richmond last week with the 200 cm Boyd stationed deep, but once he returned to the middle, the Dogs began to get on top.

Boyd finished the game with a career high for disposals (19) and hitouts to advantage (10), and was a major factor in the Dogs’ thrilling come-from-behind victory.

Speaking to media this week, Beveridge said Boyd is progressing well while shouldering the extra load.

“We saw last year some of his finals performances were as a principle ruckman really,” Beveridge said.

“He stepped in valiantly when Roughie went down in the prelim and his performance in the grand final was a good mix of ruck and forward.

“But he probably had the most influence as a ruckman.

“One of the things that a lot of ruckmen don’t do these days is take big contested marks and Tom took some of those in the biggest game of the year.

Roughead will play his first game since February when he lines up for Footscray against Port Melbourne on Saturday afternoon, but until he returns to the seniors, the ruck position is in good hands.