It was a warm welcome for off-season recruit Tom Boyd in his first game in Bulldogs’ colours, as his side took home the four points after a hard-fought win against West Coast.

In just his 10th AFL game, Boyd received a rousing reception from the Bulldogs’ faithful every time he was near the ball, highlighting the impact the 19-year-old has already had in his first few months with the Club.

Boyd said to come away with a nail-biting win in his first game, was an important milestone.

“I thought we were terrific, we fought all night and we eventually got our reward and got the win in the end.

“It was a real scrap, to and fro the whole game and to come out with a win was… an unbelievable feeling and (I’m) looking forward to many more.”

Boyd collected 11 disposals and one goal, but it was his role in a new forward line setup that was most pivotal.

The potent, and versatile, combination of Boyd, Jack Redpath, Stewart Crameri and Jake Stringer provided targets for the Bulldogs midfield all night, with the Dogs’ leading the inside 50 count 58-41.

Boyd’s sole goal came at a crucial point of the game, putting the Dogs in front by a point at the ten-minute mark of the final quarter before a Tory Dickson goal sealed the game for the Bulldogs.

“It was nice to get a bit of personal reward towards the end of the game but I was just trying to stick in the game and create a contest.

“I know what the non-negotiables are for me, creating a contest and doing my bit for the team and that little bit of individual cherry on the top was nice at the end.”