While much of the pre-season attention has been on Western Bulldogs boom power forward recruit Tom Boyd, coach Luke Beveridge has been keenly focused on shaping a versatile and varied playing group.

Beveridge said there would be a focus on all players extending their repertoire, with Boyd to possibly spend time in the ruck, and several small forwards to see increased midfield time.

“We have a pretty good ‘mosquito fleet’ – Dahlhaus, Hrovat, Hunter, Honeychurch and we, obviously have brought some new kids in, who I don’t really want to talk about but you never know whether one of them is going to step up,” said Beveridge, speaking with Fairfax Media.

“Those boys will need to spend a little bit of time in the midfield, whether it’s outside or in, I don’t know.”

As for Boyd playing in the ruck, Beveridge said it was important he find versatility in his game.

“Boydy will have to play a bit in the ruck. He is not going to be able to survive as a key forward.

“We can’t put him in cotton wool. He is actually quite a good stand-and-deliver ruckman.”

Beveridge said although Boyd had arrived at the Club under immense pressure, he couldn’t fault the young forward’s efforts to date.

“He has worked really hard.

“It’s going to take him a while to condition himself to the level of actually playing four quarters at an AFL level but we couldn’t be more pleased with his application.”

Beveridge also noted the versatile attributes of Marcus Bontempelli, who has sparked debate on where his position may be.

“The possibility and probability that he is going to be one of the competition’s best, I think it’s right in our face.

“But we have got to manage that the right way and utilise that the right way, make sure we support him because he is the versatile type.”