On the eve of Bulldog’s skipper, Matthew Boyd’s 200th game this week, westernbulldogs.com.au reflects on the two-time All-Australian and twice recipient of the Charles Sutton Medal.

If there was ever an example of perseverance and resilience, Boyd is it.

Overlooked in the 2000 National AFL Draft, Boyd didn’t give up on his dream of playing at the top level, making the decision to hone his skills at Frankston in the VFL.

After only one season at VFL, the Bulldogs picked the prolific ball-getter as a Rookie in the 2001 Pre-Season Draft at number 23.

A hard-nosed midfielder, with an insatiable appetite for the contest, Boyd has worked tirelessly to forge a brilliant 10-year career (and counting) topped off with his appointment to Captain of the Bulldogs in 2011.

Bulldogs favourite, Luke Darcy, caught up with Boyd this week to ask him how it felt to go from the Rookie List to 200 games.

“Yeah, it’s surreal to be honest. I never thought I’d get to this many games and thought after I’d played a couple in my first year, I thought okay, well that’s what AFL footy is like - I might have to move on now.

“But I have been lucky enough to be given the opportunity to play for an extended period of time. - I’ve just had a ball doing it, I love it,” Boyd said.

Boyd also talking to Darcy about leadership and his role as Bulldog’s Captain.

“I probably thought I had some leadership qualities, I probably never envisioned myself to be the captain of the place but I’m humbled and honoured to be given that role,” Boyd said.

And on the future?

“We know that we are developing, developing some young players, and my role now is to really help with the progression and development of some of those younger players.

“I’ve really enjoyed that part of it - probably haven’t enjoyed not getting as many wins as we would like - but I think that will come in time if we keep on putting the time into these young players,” Boyd said.

The Bulldogs are calling on all of our dedicated Members and Fans to get to the game this Sunday against Hawthorn at Etihad to congratulate one of our true warriors on this significant milestone. Go Dogs!