Matthew Boyd
Guernsey number: 5
Season 2013 games: 13
Career games: 220
Season 2013 goals: 4
Career goals: 75
Season 2013 Brownlow votes: 7
Career Brownlow Votes: 93
| Disposals | Marks | Tackles | Clearances | Inside 50s | |
| Season Averages | 29.4 | 4.7 | 3.9 | 5.5 | 4.4 |
Season in short:
By Boyd’s lofty standards, season 2013 was one played in surges and cruelled by injury. While the skipper played just 13 games, he managed some impressive achievements and played an invaluable hand in several victories. He still averaged 29.4 disposals per game, the fifth most in the competition, and ranked 15th for both contested possession and clearance average. With 38 disposals, seven tackles and nine inside-50s and the three Brownlow votes against St Kilda in Round 9, Boyd inspired his team to snap a seven-game losing streak and press 7-7 win-loss record over the next 14 weeks.
What they said:
"He has been the heartbeat of them for an extended period ... he certainly leads by example around the footy.”
- Brisbane Lions Assistant Coach Shane Woewodin ahead of the Bulldogs round one clash
Stat that mattered:
Despite playing just 13 games, the Bulldogs skipper still managed to rank fourth at the Club in total inside 50s (57), fourth in total clearances (71) and still topped the kennel in average disposals per game (29.4) - a statistical category he also ranked fifth overall in the AFL for in 2013.
Pre-season focus:
The Bulldogs' spiritual leader will play a prominent role in setting the benchmark in pre-season expectations and driving the Club forward over the summer. Boyd’s meticulous training standards are unlikely to waver from pre-seasons past, often amongst the best performed at the Bulldogs in endurance training. Disposal efficiency has never been the captain’s strength but he will no doubt spend countless hours continuing to improve in that area.
In the news:
Boyd wins AFLPA Education award
