Sport
2016 AFL Premiership Season Preview
With the AFL NAB Challenge just around the corner, we thought it was time to preview the 18 clubs vying for the 2016 AFL Premiership.
The NAB Challenge will be played between Thursday February 18 and Sunday March 13. Click here to purchase tickets.
The 2016 Toyota AFL Premiership Season begins on the Easter weekend, from March 24-27. As always, the season promises to be full of twists and turns, highlights and surprises, milestones and passion.
The weeks leading into a new season are the time for dreaming big; every club starts fresh in Round 1. So before we hit the real stuff, we thought it was a good idea to run an eye over each AFL Club. We hope you enjoy our 2016 AFL Season preview – and best of luck to you and your team for the year ahead!
Adelaide
Coach: Don Pyke
Captain: Taylor Walker
2015 Finish: 7th (Eliminated in second week of finals)
Adelaide has been middle-of-the-road since the 2012 Preliminary Final, which the club went close to winning. The Crows took a big step in 2015 winning a final away from home over the Doggies. The following week they were flogged by Hawthorn so a challenge in 2016 is securing their position in the top eight and taking the next step to ensure they can mix it with the best.
All eyes will be on: The Adelaide midfield
The Crows suffered a major blow at the end of the 2015 season with their best player, Patrick Dangerfield, joining Geelong. Danger is not an easy bloke to replace, so it will be interesting to see how the Adelaide midfield manages sans Paddy. The Crows have some very impressive mids – Rory Sloane, Richard Douglas and emerging star, Rory Laird, to name a few – but they will need to step up and carry the load that is left following Dangerfield’s departure.
NAB Cup Fixture
Adelaide v West Coast – Sunday February 21 at Unley Oval (SA)
Fremantle v Adelaide – Sunday February 28 at Sounness Park (WA)
Gold Coast v Adelaide – Friday March 11 at Metricon Stadium (Qld) – click here for tickets.
Brisbane Lions
Coach: Justin Leppitsch
Captain: Tom Rockliff
2015 Finish: 17th
It was a lean season for the Brisbane Lions in 2015. The 2014 off-season started promisingly enough with the Lions recruiting Collingwood midfield gun, Dayne Beams, Geelong premiership player, Allen Christensen, and Carlton’s Mitch Robinson. The trio of recruits had many pundits bullish about the Lions’ chances in 2015 – in fact I heard someone spruik they now had the best midfield in the league – but the fruits of their recruiting labour did not flourish. Beams was a shining light in a difficult year, but he needs a few more mates to back him up if the Lions are to improve their standing in 2016.
All eyes will be on: Craig Lambert
Over the past few years, there has been a worrying trend at the Brisbane Lions with a huge number of the best young players on the list requesting trades. Recent departees include James Aish (Collingwood), Matthew Leuenberger (Essendon), Jack Redden (West Coast), Billy Longer (St Kilda), Jared Polec (Port Adelaide) and Elliott Yeo (West Coast). The trend was worrying enough that the Lions called upon former premiership player Craig Lambert to return to the club in a bid to improve conditions and keep the best players on their list together for longer. Time will tell if it is successful, but Lambert has an excellent reputation with regards to player welfare so it is a step in the right direction.
NAB Cup Fixture
Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast – Sunday February 21 at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex (Qld) – click here for tickets.
Brisbane Lions v St Kilda – Sunday March 6 at Harrup Park Country Club (Qld)
Brisbane Lions v GWS – Sunday March 13 at Metricon Stadium (Qld) – click here for tickets.
Carlton
Coach: Brendon Bolton
Captain: Marc Murphy
2015 Finish: 18th
Disastrous. There’s really no other word for Carlton’s 2015 season. The Blues are in the midst of a significant rebuild and will be looking to take positive steps under new coach, the smiling former Hawthorn assistant, Brendon Bolton. Favourite son Steve Silvagni is back at the club and has been charged with the job of rebuilding the list. One of his favourite sons – his boy, Jack – has been recruited to the club, which keeps a third generation of Silvagni men in navy blue. Jack is joined by a trio of GWS youngsters, who were originally recruited by Silvagni Snr during his time at the Giants. No one is expecting Carlton to rocket up the ladder but 2016 will surely be a more pleasant experience for their fans than their wooden spoon-winning efforts in 2015.
All eyes will be on: Brendon Bolton
Following the departure of career coach Mick Malthouse, Carlton undertook a search for the best young coach in the league. It’s not surprising their search ended with Brendon Bolton. As an assistant coach at Hawthorn, he has overseen exceptional success and even took the top job for five (undefeated) matches during Alastair Clarkson’s absence due to sickness. Bolton is affable and known for his smile, but we suspect it will be a little more difficult to keep the smile on his face at Princes Park than it was with the three time Premiership-winning Hawks.
NAB Cup Fixture
Hawthorn v Carlton – Thursday February 18 at Aurora Stadium (TAS) – click here for tickets.
Carlton v Essendon – Sunday February 28 at Ikon Park (VIC) – click here for tickets.
Carlton v Sydney – Friday March 11 at Etihad Stadium (VIC) – click here for tickets.
Collingwood
Coach: Nathan Buckley
Captain: Scott Pendlebury
2015 Finish: 12th
Collingwood’s 2015 season – much like its 2014 season – started promisingly enough. The Pies had some decent wins and looked finals bound until a mid-season form slump saw them plummet on the ladder. Collingwood’s best is competitive enough, but their worst leaves them vulnerable. Following a flurry of off-season recruits – and a further pre-season for their young list – the Magpies are expected to reach finals as a minimum in 2016. Coach Nathan Buckley has built ‘his’ team but a contract extension surely rests on his ability to play in September this season.
All eyes will be on: Adam Treloar
Aside from Dangerfield – whose destination was considered a fait accompli – the hottest trading property in the 2015 off-season was GWS jet Adam Treloar. The fight appeared to be between Collingwood and Richmond with the Pies successfully getting the 22 year-old’s signature for 2016 and beyond. The signing was straight forward enough except for follow up comments Treloar made about the Tigers’ list and the secret post-season surgery he didn’t tell the Giants about. He was suddenly in the headlines (welcome to AFL in Melbourne!) and will need a good on-field season to prove what all the fuss was about.
NAB Cup Fixture
Geelong v Collingwood – Friday February 26 at Simonds Stadium (VIC) – click here for tickets.
North Melbourne v Collingwood – Saturday March 5 at Robertson Oval (NSW)
Collingwood v Western Bulldogs – Saturday March 12 at Etihad Stadium (VIC) – click here for tickets.
Essendon
Coach: John Worsfold
Captain: Brendon Goddard
2015 Finish: 15th
The 2016 season could not have started in worse fashion for Essendon. The ongoing Essendon ‘saga’ came to something of a head when 34 players – including 12 current Bombers – were banned for the entire 2016 season. It was worst-case scenario for the club with new coach John Worsfold now scrambling to piece together a team. Hard to see anything but pain for Bombers fans in 2016, but on the bright side, expectations will be at an all-time low. Every win – if there are any – will be treasured. Brendon Goddard is stepping up to captain the club in Jobe Watson’s absence; it will be interesting to watch his leadership style and see how he copes with what is destined to be a year starved of success.
All eyes will be on: Top-up players
The news was horrific for Essendon, but a small selection of players will now get the opportunity of a lifetime; a second chance to prove they are capable of playing AFL at the highest level. Recent recruits include Ryan Crowley, Mark Jamar, James Kelly and Matthew Stokes. While these recruits are in their twilight years, a selection of young recruits – James Polkinghorne, Matt Dea and Jonathan Simpkin – will take this chance as a way to get another shot at footy at the top level. With these guys playing for their AFL lives, it’ll be interesting to see what impact they can have.
NAB Cup Fixture
Carlton v Essendon – Sunday February 28 at Ikon Park (VIC) – click here for tickets.
Essendon v Geelong – Saturday March 5 at Deakin Reserve (VIC)
West Coast v Essendon – Sunday March 13 at Domain Stadium (WA) – click here for tickets.
Fremantle
Coach: Ross Lyon
Captain: David Mundy
2015 Finish: 1st (eliminated in the Preliminary Final)
Fremantle came out of the blocks with a rocket in 2015 but they were no match for the far stronger Hawks, who ended their season in a Preliminary final at Domain Stadium. It is getting to the ‘now or never’ point for many of the Dockers players – most notably Matthew Pavlich – with the Dockers finishing atop the AFL ladder, but failing to make the Grand Final. It is hard to see where the Dockers’ improvement will come in 2016, but we are sure they will be going hell for leather to get themselves back into the top four and in a position to claim the club’s first Premiership.
All eyes will be on: Ross Lyon
He’s been to the mountain so many times, but he continues to return empty-handed. With the current list, it is hard to see Fremantle having more chances to turn Ross Lyon into a premiership-winning coach beyond this season. Fremantle looked unstoppable in the early half of the year but the wheels began to fall off and the purple haze really struggled to find goals late in the season and throughout the finals. Controversial star Harley Bennell has been recruited in a bid to give the Dockers greater fire power up forward, but he’ll need to have the year of his career to get Fremantle across the line.
NAB Cup Fixture
Fremantle v Richmond – Friday February 19 at Rushton Park (WA) – click here for tickets.
Fremantle v Adelaide – Sunday February 28 at Sounness Park (WA)
Fremantle v Geelong – Saturday March 12 at Domain Stadium (WA) – click here for tickets.
Geelong
Coach: Chris Scott
Captain: Joel Selwood
2015 Finish: 10th
In 2015, Geelong did something it hadn’t done since 2006; it missed the AFL finals. Between 2007 and 2014, the Cats finished in the top eight (and won three Premierships). It was a remarkable effort, but of course all good things must come to an end. Will 2016 prove to be a year when the side continues to slide down the ladder, or could it find a few more wins and break back into the finals? Time will tell, but certainly the man we talk about below – plus recruits Lachie Henderson and Zac Smith – will have a phenomenal impact on Geelong’s top eight chances.
All eyes will be on: Patrick Dangerfield
One of the best players in the league, Patrick Dangerfield, made what most expected official at the end of the 2015 season, joining the Cats. It was a major step towards Geelong getting back up the ladder, particularly given Danger will join captain Joel Selwood, giving the Cats two of the best mids in the league. But will the addition be enough to put Geelong back on the winner’s list or are they – as many have predicted season after season – finished? We doubt it, expect to see a very competitive Cats outfit in 2016.
NAB Cup Fixture
Geelong v Collingwood – Friday February 26 at Simonds Stadium (VIC) – click here for tickets.
Essendon v Geelong – Saturday March 5 at Deakin Reserve (VIC)
Fremantle v Geelong – Saturday March 12 at Domain Stadium (WA) – click here for tickets.
Gold Coast SUNS
Coach: Rodney Eade
Captain: Gary Ablett Jnr
2015 Finish: 16th
A new coach and the return of captain Gary Ablett was not enough to save the Gold Coast SUNS from a disastrous 2015 season. Many expected really big things from the SUNS last season, but they completely failed to deliver despite the myriad young talent on the list. Whether or not they can turn it around this season is the big question. 2016 will be the establishment club’s sixth in the AFL and many believe it is high-time the SUNS book themselves a finals spot. It is hard to see it happening in 2016; too many things need to go right for this young side to jump the necessary nine ladder positions required and displace a top eight side. Then again, stranger things have happened.
All eyes will be on: Jaeger O’Meara
If 2015 was disastrous for the Gold Coast SUNS, it was doubly disastrous for young gun Jaeger O’Meara who wretched his knee in a NEAFL practice match before playing an AFL game last year. It was a major setback for the young star, who is expected to be one of the AFL’s finest players in years to come. Adding insult to literal injury, rumours are now swirling that O’Meara will head south in 2017, continuing his career at a Victorian club. He maintains his only interest is playing for Gold Coast, but we suspect there’s a great deal more water to go under that bridge. Keep an eye on this one in 2016.
NAB Cup Fixture
Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast – Sunday February 21 at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex (Qld) – click here for tickets.
West Coast v Gold Coast – Thursday March 3 at HBF Arena (WA) – click here for tickets.
Gold Coast v Adelaide – Friday March 11 at Metricon Stadium (Qld) – click here for tickets.
GWS Giants
Coach: Leon Cameron
Captain: Phil Davis and Callan Ward
2015 Finish: 11th
While they didn’t make the finals in 2015, the young Giants took a mighty step toward it. Sitting fifth on the ladder after 11 rounds, the young GWS outfit looked destined for a final, but it wasn’t to be. In just its fifth season in the AFL, 2016 could well be the year the Giants finish top eight. With the incredible talent on the list, it would not be out of the question to see the Giants in the top eight and on the winner’s list come week one of finals.
All eyes will be on: Shane Mumford
He is the giant of the Giants. And if recent findings are anything to go by, Shane Mumford is the key to GWS’ finals hopes. Statistically, he is more important to his side’s fortunes than any other player in the league. But no pressure Mummy! His season – and that of his club – was derailed last year when he suffered a serious ankle injury in Round 11. But the ankle has healed, so all eyes will now be on big Mummy in 2016 as he and the Giants aim to make the AFL finals for the first time in the club’s short history.
NAB Cup Fixture
GWS v Western Bulldogs – Thursday February 25 at StarTrack Oval (NSW)
Sydney v GWS – Friday March 4 at Drummoyne Oval (NSW)
Brisbane Lions v GWS – Sunday March 13 at Metricon Stadium (Qld) – click here for tickets.
Hawthorn
Coach: Alastair Clarkson
Captain: Luke Hodge
2015 Finish: 3rd (Premiers)
What do you say about Hawthorn? Fresh off three Premierships in a row, 2016 will be all about the Hawks’ quest for a record-equalling fourth consecutive Premiership (it has only been achieved once; by Collingwood from 1927-30). The apparently ageless Hawks just keep getting the job done when it really matters. Despite a shaky start to the 2015 season, they really had no challengers when it came down to the pointy end of the season. Whether they can do it again in 2016 is anyone’s guess, but it will be worth watching to see if this group can propel themselves even further into the record books.
All eyes will be on: Roughy’s knee
Even before the 2016 title defence was underway, Hawthorn suffered a major blow with news their key forward, Jarryd Roughead would miss the first half of the season with a serious knee injury. It is a massive concern for the club, however we have seen them cope with worse. Remember when we all wrote the Hawks off after Buddy jumped ship to Sydney? Or when their coach was sidelined for a chunk of the season with Guillain-Barre syndrome? Yeah, they won the Premiership despite both those incidents…
NAB Cup Fixture
Hawthorn v Carlton – Thursday February 18 at Aurora Stadium (TAS) – click here for tickets.
Richmond v Hawthorn – Holm Park Recreation Reserve (VIC)
Hawthorn v North Melbourne – Saturday March 12 at Etihad Stadium (VIC) – click here for tickets.
Melbourne
Coach: Paul Roos
Captain: Nathan Jones
2015 Finish: 13th
2015 was a mixed bag for Melbourne; while the Dees are still prone to some mighty defeats, the club finished the year with a serviceable seven wins and uncovered two of the league’s most-promising players in Angus Brayshaw and Jesse Hogan. The Dees were stiff to lose a couple of close ones, but they also took major steps in their rebuild defeating some of the league’s stronger clubs including Geelong at Simonds Stadium and their Queen’s Birthday rivals, the Magpies. The Dees really need to take another step in 2016 and show they are no longer the ‘easy-beats’ of the competition.
All eyes will be on: Jesse Hogan
If you believe the word coming out of Melbourne, youngster Jesse Hogan is ready to explode in 2016. That is a very scary proposition for even the most accomplished defenders given the incredible first season the 20-year old produced in 2015. Hogan kicked 44 goals in his debut year – that puts him in the top 20 of the AFL – and took a very handy 134 marks. Young forwards are notoriously slow to develop, a fact that has Demons fans in a lather at the prospect of just how good this kid may be. Only time will tell if he can trump his opening year or if he – like many other young players – will be hit by the second year blues.
NAB Cup Fixture
Port Adelaide v Melbourne – Saturday February 27 at Playford Alive Oval (SA)
Western Bulldogs v Melbourne – Sunday March 6 at Highgate Recreation Reserve (VIC)
Melbourne v St Kilda – Sunday March 13 at Etihad Stadium (VIC) – click here for tickets.
North Melbourne
Coach: Brad Scott
Captain: Andrew Swallow
2015 Finish: 8th (Eliminated in Preliminary Final)
North Melbourne is developing a reputation as the giant killers of the competition. Despite finishing just 6th and 8th on the ladder in 2014 and 2015 respectively, the Roos made the Preliminary final in both years and ejected a couple powerhouse clubs along the way. In 2014, the Kangaroos booted Essendon in the first week of finals and sent Geelong out in ‘straight sets’ the week after. A similar story in 2015 with the Kangaroos plunging the highly-fancied Tigers into ‘curse’ territory, eliminating them in week one and then booting Sydney from the final – in Sydney no less! The Prelims, however, were forgettable experiences for the club. The challenge in 2016 is going one step further… so keep an eye on them in 2016 to see if they are capable of greater things.
All eyes will be on: Daniel Wells
One of the Kangaroos’ finest players, Daniel Wells has had a horror couple of years with injury. The luckless North Melbourne star may just hold the key to the Kangaroos taking the next step, but is he fit? And can he stay fit long enough to have a significant impact on his side? We hope so – he deserves another shot at reminding the football world what a magnificent player he is, but we can’t be certain that, at 31 years of age, he will rediscover his B&F-winning form.
NAB Cup Fixture
St Kilda v North Melbourne – Saturday February 20 at Norm Minns Oval (VIC)
North Melbourne v Collingwood – Saturday March 5 at Robertson Oval (NSW)
Hawthorn v North Melbourne – Saturday March 12 at Etihad Stadium (VIC) – click here for tickets.
Port Adelaide
Coach: Ken Hinkley
Captain: Travis Boak
2015 Finish: 9th
Port Adelaide was one of the biggest shocks of the AFL in 2015 but, unfortunately for them, it was for all the wrong reasons. Finishing 2014 just a kick away from a Grand Final, Port Adelaide slipped down the ladder in 2015 and missed finals by one game. So what will 2016 bring? It is anyone’s guess. But one thing we know for sure, the Power has a very talented group so quick success is not out of the question.
All eyes will be on: The showdowns
Showdowns between Port Adelaide and their cross-town rivals, the Adelaide Crows, are must-not-miss matches every single year. Both clubs are expected to fare well in 2016 so the two matches between the mighty foes will be as fierce and fiery as ever.
NAB Cup Fixture
Sydney v Port Adelaide – Saturday February 20 at Blacktown International Sportspark (NSW) – click here for tickets.
Port Adelaide v Melbourne – Saturday February 27 at Playford Alive Oval (SA)
Richmond v Port Adelaide – Thursday March 10 at Etihad Stadium (VIC) – click here for tickets.
Richmond
Coach: Damien Hardwick
Captain: Trent Cotchin
2015 Finish: 5th (Eliminated in first final)
The minimum requirement for Richmond in 2016 is simple; win a final. Coming off their third straight elimination final defeat, the little chimp on the Tigers’ back has turned into King Kong. The Tigers made a bold play for Adam Treloar at the end of 2015 but were gazumped by Collingwood in somewhat of a blow to their plans. They did however manage to get Carlton speedster Chris Yarran to the club. The added dash and experience should hold them in good stead in 2016 but one thing is for sure, all eyes will be on the Tigers if they find themselves in yet another Elimination final at the end of the season.
All eyes will be on: Damien Hardwick’s contract
Most people agree Damien Hardwick is the best man for the job at Tigerland. But with each Elimination final loss the pressure meter is turned a little stronger on the coach. Richmond is yet to re-sign the former Port Adelaide and Essendon player so, of course, talk of his demise will be rife until his signature hits the paper.
NAB Cup Fixture
Fremantle v Richmond – Friday February 19 at Rushton Park (WA) – click here for tickets.
Richmond v Hawthorn – Holm Park Recreation Reserve (VIC)
Richmond v Port Adelaide – Thursday March 10 at Etihad Stadium (VIC) – click here for tickets.
St Kilda
Coach: Alan Richardson
Captain: Nick Riewoldt
2015 Finish: 14th
It has been a forgettable off season for St Kilda. Their star recruit, Jake Carlisle, has been a walking headline since the very first days at his new club and he will sit out the entire 2016 season due to his suspension as part of the Essendon saga. St Kilda made a bold play for the big man – and paid handsomely to secure his services, giving up pick 5 in the National Draft – but it has been anything but smooth sailing. Avenues to goal will be a challenge for the Saints this year, but with a solid group of young players finding their feet we can expect happier days ahead for Alan Richardson’s men.
All eyes will be on: Nick Riewoldt
When aren’t all eyes on Nick Riewoldt when it comes to St Kilda? The forward has been at the club for what seems like forever and he will embark on his 11th season as Saints captain – a record for the club – in 2016. Riewoldt has been an inspirational leader for St Kilda and has seen his club through the highs and lows of footy. All going well, ‘Rooey’ will hit some major milestones in 2016 including 200 matches as captain (a club first) in Round 1 and 300 career matches in Round 2. At 33, Nick Riewoldt’s days may be limited so soak up every second of his 2016!
NAB Cup Fixture
St Kilda v North Melbourne – Saturday February 20 at Norm Minns Oval (VIC)
Brisbane Lions v St Kilda – Sunday March 6 at Harrup Park Country Club (Qld)
Melbourne v St Kilda – Sunday March 13 at Etihad Stadium (VIC) – click here for tickets.
Sydney
Coach: John Longmire
Captain: Kieren Jack & Jarrad McVeigh
2015 Finish: 4th (Eliminated in week 2 of the finals)
Sydney is one side that many so-called experts will have on the slide in 2016. The ageing side was eliminated in ‘straight sets’ from the 2015 finals just one year after a forgettable Grand Final appearance. It’s hard to write the Swans off because they have been consistently so good over so many years and they have winners at every line, but it will be interesting to see if they can stay with the pack in 2016. They need a good showing from the ‘Bondi Billionaires’ in Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett if they want to be near the top of the ladder at the pointy end of the season.
All eyes will be on: Buddy
Is there a bigger name in AFL footy than Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin? Perhaps, but I’m not sure there’s anyone who grabs the headlines quite as effortlessly as the big Swan. Interest in Franklin has been at fever pitch since he was granted leave by the Swans to address personal issues on the eve of the 2015 finals series. By all reports he is healthy and ready to play and Swans fans will be hoping he can have a positive impact in 2016.
NAB Cup Fixture
Sydney v Port Adelaide – Saturday February 20 at Blacktown International Sportspark (NSW) – click here for tickets.
Sydney v GWS – Friday March 4 at Drummoyne Oval (NSW)
Carlton v Sydney – Friday March 11 at Etihad Stadium (VIC) – click here for tickets.
West Coast
Coach: Adam Simpson
Captain: Shannon Hurn
2015 Finish: 2nd (Runners-up)
West Coast slipped under most peoples’ radars in 2015. After missing the finals in 2013 and 2014 and suffering multiple major injuries to defenders in particular, the forecast for the Eagles was bleak. But the club’s A-graders, notably Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis, young midfielder Andrew Gaff and power forward Josh Kennedy, propelled the Eagles well beyond popular expectations. The challenge for Adam Simpson’s men in 2016 is backing up their impressive season and bridging the gap between them and the best sides (read Hawthorn!).
All eyes will be on: The Eagles’ ladder position
The West Coast Eagles were definitely flying under the radar after a forgettable 2014, which resulted in a ninth place finish on the ladder. Fast forward to one year later and there is nowhere for the Eagles to hide. While it came as a shock to most, the Eagles rocketed to the top four in 2015 and played off in the Grand Final. Expectations are now sky high for the team from the west so we all wait with bated breath to see if they can go one better in 2016.
NAB Cup Fixture
Adelaide v West Coast – Sunday February 21 at Unley Oval (SA)
West Coast v Gold Coast – Thursday March 3 at HBF Arena (WA) – click here for tickets.
West Coast v Essendon – Sunday March 13 at Domain Stadium (WA) – click here for tickets.
Western Bulldogs
Coach: Luke Beveridge
Captain: Bob Murphy
2015 Finish: 6th (Eliminated in first final)
The Western Bulldogs shocked a lot of people in 2015. The club had twice as many wins in 2015 than the previous year and played in an Elimination final. They won’t sneak under the radar in 2016 so now is the time for the club to take a big step. It will be important for the young side, under young coach Luke Beveridge, to consolidate its position in the top eight.
All eyes will be on: Tom Boyd
Fairly or unfairly, there is a hell of a lot of pressure on 20-year-old forward Tom Boyd. The Bulldogs threw huge money at the untried but highly-rated former GWS player at the end of the 2014 season, but he had a forgettable 2015, kicking just 16 goals from 14 matches. Young forwards are normally given a few years before they receive the sort of attention Boyd has had to endure, but the Bulldogs will want him to show more in 2016 to repay their faith and enormous financial investment.
NAB Cup Fixture
GWS v Western Bulldogs – Thursday February 25 at StarTrack Oval (NSW)
Western Bulldogs v Melbourne – Sunday March 6 at Highgate Recreation Reserve (VIC)
Collingwood v Western Bulldogs – Saturday March 12 at Etihad Stadium (VIC) – click here for tickets.
