Bulldogs welcome back hero of 2016

WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge is rapt for Tom Boyd, calling his AFL return a big leap.

Boyd is among four inclusions for tonight’s match against Fremantle in Perth.

One of the heroes of the Bulldogs’ triumphant 2016 finals series, Boyd has not played in the AFL since Round 13 last season. He took time off to deal with depression, with a gluteal muscle injury during the pre-season delaying his senior return.

Boyd kicked five secondhalf goals in the VFL last weekend to emphatically prove it was time.

Beveridge said the ruckforward responded to the good news with a big grin.

“He’s very enthusiastic ... he’s never been more determined,” Beveridge said.

“That’s a great sign — when you’re coming from a fair way back, from a mental health point of view, then you get yourself into a good frame of mind. Physically he’s well prepared. Then the desire to get on the big stage and get out there and show your wares — that’s a big leap.”

Beveridge is confident Boyd can return to his form in late 2016, capped by three goals in their grand final win over Sydney. But the coach noted that even in that finals series, there were inconsistencies in Boyd’s game.

“We’re not expecting him to kick five again and have 30 possessions, but hopefully he can play his role and help us get the win.”

Meanwhile, fellow Bulldogs forward Jack Redpath faces at least a week out of action because of a knee injury.