Music to Bulldogs fans' ears, Matthew Boyd says his body feels as good as ever as he enters preseason number 15 at the Kennel.

The 33-year-old had an outstanding 2015, his average of 27 disposals per game placing him 17^th in the League at season’s end.  He also ranked 12th for marks, 11th for rebound 50s and 16th for kicks, and was rewarded with an All-Australian nomination for his efforts.

“Obviously, having the break at the end of the year is pretty important to get the body back in working order,” he said.

“I was lucky enough not to have any surgeries this offseason so I’ve been able to train myself and come back relatively fresh. “

Alongside Sutton Medallist Easton Wood and skipper Bob Murphy, Boyd would lead a defence that was ranked sixth for points against in 2015, up from fourteenth in 2014, and was a major factor in the Dogs’ dramatic rise up the ladder.

Boyd’s successful move back was driven by the need to give an emerging young mid-field group time to develop in the engine room, but as to how his role in the team looks for 2016, that’s a conversation he’s yet to have.

“We haven’t gone into specifics of my role as yet with the coaches, it’s been more about get back, get going again, get the skills up and about again, and we’ll head into those more in-depth discussions later down the track.”

One factor may be the arrival of former Hawthorn premiership player, Matthew Suckling, whose early pre-season form has impressed the three time Best & Fairest.

“He looks really good, he’s fit in really nicely, he’s got an unbelievable leg on him.

“Not only that – apart from the physical attributes that he can bring to the table he’s got unbelievable premiership experience from the Hawks, so we’re really looking forward to drawing on that and learn from him where we can.”