An exciting brand of football was the ultimate attraction for the Western Bulldogs newest recruit Matthew Suckling.
 
The 27-year-old joined the Club over the weekend as an unrestricted free agent, and said a developing young group and a close relationship with Luke Beveridge helped form his decision.
 
“We definitely saw last year the improvement in all the young guys and a pretty exciting list so that was something that attracted me to the Dogs.
 
“I think they play a game style that really suits my strengths, so that accompanied with Luke Beveridge being the coach, I’ve got a really good relationship with him… and I see some exciting times ahead so thought I’d jump on board.”

VIDEO: Watch Matthew Suckling's 2015 highlights reel and get a taste of the skill he'll bring to the Kennel.
 
Suckling played under Beveridge during his role as the backline coach at Hawthorn, and the wingman/defender says that was another key factor in moving to the kennel.
 
“Our personalities are very similar, we’ve got similar values and views on things and he really likes players to enjoy themselves and just play to their strengths.
 
“That’s something I like doing and that’s probably why we have a good relationship.”
 
Suckling said despite no formal conversations, he expects to bring versatility in a number of roles next season.
 
“We haven’t sat down and gone too much into depth yet but probably wing, half-back with a little bit of half-forward as I’ve played for most of my career.”
 
Bulldogs List Manager Jason McCartney, the orchestrator of the move, echoed Suckling’s excitement on RSN Radio on Monday.
 
“It’s a terrific acquisition for us, we only have five players that have played over 100 games.
 
“Being in the Hawthorn program for nine years, two premierships and just that daring way he plays his footy and that lethal left foot when it comes off, so he’ll fit in nicely.”

AUDIO: Listen to List Manager Jason McCartney's interview on RSN Radio in full.