The Western Bulldogs expect a team effort each week but Matthew Boyd says it is the experienced players’ responsibility to lead by example and guide their younger teammates.

While he may not hold the captaincy title this season, Boyd said his onfield leadership and experience is still one of his key assets.

“I don’t think it’s changed too much my role on the field, obviously it changes a few things off the field in terms of the commitments and the requirements that the captain is asked to do,” Boyd said.

“In terms of the on field leadership that will never change, it will always pretty strong from me… and it won’t waiver.”

The 31-year-old said the Bulldogs’ more experienced campaigners play a pivotal role on game day, setting the standards and ensuring all players are adhering to the team plans.

“The responsibility of the older guys is to try and help the younger players improve and play better and for the team to function more efficiently,” he said.

“The older guys take a fair bit of responsibility for how we play.

“When things aren’t going so well then it’s our responsibility to get the standards to where it needs to be.”

“It’s important to make sure that we are doing the right thing for the majority if not all of the games so our young players can take confidence from that.”

Boyd said the Bulldogs were returning to their strong contested brand of football in recent weeks and if they continue to work over their opponents it will eventually pay dividends.

“I think the last couple of weeks there’s been some really good signs of improvement,” he said.

“We’ve got back to the brand of footy that we wanted to play in terms of our contested, really hard-nosed style.

“Unfortunately we haven’t been able to get the win but we have been very close for a couple of weeks now… and we know if we continue to play that way…  that will be just around the corner.”