Western Bulldogs key forward and 2013 No.1 draft pick Tom Boyd has announced a shock retirement from the AFL, with two years still to run on the infamous seven-year deal he signed in 2015.
Boyd cited both physical injuries and his publicised mental health battles as the reason for his sudden retirement, admitting he “just [didn’t] have the desire to play or the enjoyment of the game [he] used to have.”
“I’m grateful to both to the Giants and the Bulldogs for allowing me the opportunity to experience playing football at the highest level,” he said in a statement.
“I have received unbelievable support from the players, coaches and staff at the Western Bulldogs, particularly over the last couple of years, which I will always appreciate.
“Leaving the game as a premiership player is something I will always be proud of, along with all the enduring relationships I have forged and the memories I have created along the way.”
Bulldogs director of football Chris Grant lauded Boyd as a “great contributor” in a statement.
“He is a much-loved and respected person around the Club,” he said.
“Over the last few years we have worked very closely with Tom and his family to support him through a difficult period, and we will continue to offer that support as he enters the next phase of his life.
“We will not forget the role he played on the field, especially in the 2016 finals series when he showed the football world what he was capable of, on the biggest stage possible.
“We will miss Tom’s influence at the Bulldogs, and he and his family will always be welcome at the Club,” he concluded.
Tom Boyd first joined the AFL as the coveted No.1 pick in the 2013 draft, selected by the GWS Giants following the expansion club’s second straight wooden spoon. He played nine games for the Giants in his debut season in 2014, kicking eight goals, but made headlines that offseason after demanding a trade to the Bulldogs.
GWS chief executive David Matthews famously claimed at the time that Boyd “will not be traded under any circumstances,” only to ship Boyd to the Dogs in exchange for Ryan Griffen and the No.6 pick in the 2014 draft (used on Caleb Marchbank) just two days later.
That wasn’t the only shock involving Boyd that offseason, however, with the then-19-year-old signing a monster seven-year deal worth $7 million.
His tenure at the Bulldogs was chequered, with the key forward usually only playing for just over half the season and averaging a goal per game just once in his career. He had his nadir in mid-2016, when he was suspended by the club for a violent altercation with teammate Zaine Cordy – who was allegedly taunting him about not living up to his contract – but found a new lease on life soon after.
Coach Luke Beveridge transitioned Boyd into a backup ruckman, where he shone for the rest of 2016 – including a monumental performance in the grand final victory that year. Boyd proved to handy at the stoppages for the rest of his career, but injuries and a battle with clinical depression. prevented him from reaching his potential.
He finishes his career having played 61 games of AFL football, kicking 50 goals.
Ben
Guest
I have always been amazed at the pressure put on number 1 draft picks by the media and the footy public in general. These 17 yr old kids don't pick themselves at #1.....the recruiters do. And as far as I am aware these kids are (publicly at least) humble as a junior. But to be anything worse than a good player is seen as a massive fail. Jack Watts is prime example.....poor bloke. No different to trying to pick a racehorse at the yearlings.....people spend millions sometimes for nought return.... horses aren't on social media though to suffer the punters wrath...... All the best to Tom. As a Dogs supporter I am very grateful for your service and your peak game in the '16 GF.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I made a statement in here over a year ago that if Tom Boyd never played another senior game his investment was already worth it. The Dogs won their first flag in 62 years and only their second in history. They claim Tom was paid 1.7m for his first two years, then another million or so and ultimately about $100,000 a game for his 61 games. With his manager Liam Pickering writing off the last two years of his payment the investment of $6m in total has paid off handsomely. Why? The Dogs probably don't win the 2016 preliminary final or Grand Final without him. $6m is nothing in the terms of a premiership. The Dogs aggressively targeted the young man after their captain Ryan Griffen walked out of the club and their coach at the time was sacked. It was a defining moment in history for the club. They took a stand to play with the big boys of the competition and beat them. Since then Essendon has tried to do the same with the Stringer, Saad, Smith, Shiel and co aggressive steals. North has tried too but failed. The Dogs won the hand. Well done Dogs. Well done Tom.
JamesH
Roar Guru
Talk about short and sweet.
anon
Roar Pro
He did the honourable thing either way whether $1 million or $3 million owing. Lot of money to give up for playing in the VFL. Heck, he could continue to claim that he's injured via poor mental health and receive the money anyway. Got to admire the man for having the strength to say no to that carrot.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Best wishes to Tom. You were worth every cent to us and gave your all. I doubt we would have won the flag without your contribution. It's sad to see the effect the media, social media and public can have on a young bloke who is yet to hit peak football age. I hope player managers learn from this that it's not necessarily in a young player's interest to sign an outlandish contract, given the huge pressure and expectation that comes with it.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Well said IAP.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
I think it was the opposite Macca. I recall he got less in his first 2 years and then his contract value ramped up.
Macca
Roar Rookie
Not at all, it simply observes the reality and prevented the Swans from getting their man by offering a ridiculously long contract they had no intention of honouring.
Seymorebutts
Roar Rookie
If the AFL do pull something like that they will get sued no question.. surely its one rule for all ... I cant believe this is even being contemplated.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I doubt anyone disagrees with that Dean. That was my point . Money doesn’t cure ills.
Jack
Guest
Playing footy in a non/traditional football market ie NSW and QLD has its advantages if you’re aren’t Buddy. Few people recognise you which allows you to live a relatively normal life away from the club and out of the fishbowl. Good luck Tom and get well soon!
michael RVC
Roar Pro
You may be right about that detail, but that would still amount to trade discrimination by the AFL I would think. ie, a financial responsibility one club has to fulfil that another is excused from. I would hope the Swans would test this in the courts.
Fat Toad
Roar Rookie
I think the key was that Sydney would not be able to offer the 10 year contract and then say well you are not up to playing so we are trading you on to another club for a reduced salary from them and then claiming the full salary commitment back. I think what they were suggesting was a bit like Shane Woewodin leaving Melbourne and going to Collingwood when Melbourne stuffed up their salary cap. Woewodin was paid to the full Melbourne contract, but Collingwood paid only a part of the deal and Melbourne made up the difference. If Buddy was traded, he would still get eth full contract amount in his pocket, but some would be paid by his new club and the remainder by Sydney.
michael RVC
Roar Pro
On another thread in the past day or so, a damning assessment of the AFL Admin. Here is an exact example of their running the show depending on the direction of the wind on a particular day. Terrible. Good luck to this young guy and nothing against the WBFC in my comments.
dontknowmuchaboutfootball
Guest
Not 100% certain on this, but I think the AFL's statement on Buddy was not that his contract would have to be paid but that the salary committed under the contract would have to be counted in the salary cap regardless. So Buddy retiring early wouldn't then leave Sydney with extra space under the cap. I presume the savings would go into budgets for other parts of the football operation.
michael RVC
Roar Pro
That would be age discrimination and if true, lots of grief for the AFL Admin.
Dean
Guest
I was saying it doesn't matter how much money you have. Money won't help cure depression or anxiety, him walking away was the best decision for him.
IAP
Guest
I do find the hypocrisy of the AFL media quite astounding at the moment; they piled the pressure on a bloke who was just a kid for years and now they say they wish he gets some respite. That said and done it’s sad to see someone with so much to give be hounded our of the game. I wish him luck in all his future endeavours. Doggies supporters will always have love for him and respect the huge impact he had on the 2016 finals series. That goal in the 2016 grand final will go down in footy folklore, so he make his mark on the game.
Dean
Guest
Yes that's right, l have heard reports that Carlton is interested in picking up Gault but would also be targeting a small forward if that is what they require. I did hear GWS and the hawks are highly interested in Dunkley but will depend on the ladder positions. Not sure l want my hawks to drop but will probably not be ninth in 2 weeks.
Dean
Guest
Sorry Col, l was replying in regards to Boyd. Yes you are correct, going to be an interesting fortnight for all playing lists.