Among the obvious strengths, it’s the genuine care for his players that former captain Matthew Boyd rates as one of Senior Coach Brendan McCartney’s best attributes.

Boyd said it is Coach McCartney’s ability to connect on an individual level with each player and his focus on developing both the player and the person that perhaps stands out most. 

“What Macca has brought to the table is his experience as a teacher and as a developer of young people and as a nurturer,” Boyd told SEN Radio last night.

“I guess he has invested into relationships across the whole playing group and he understands people’s lives outside of football and what makes them tick.

“I think that is a pretty good attribute to have as a coach.”

However, Boyd said McCartney’s influence isn’t limited to the wave of young players who are just beginning their AFL careers at the Bulldogs, but also to those who have been around the Club longer.

“He’s been fantastic with not only the young guys – who he’s terrific with – but also with the older players and showing some compassion for circumstances and life outside of football,” Boyd said.