Banned Bulldog Tom Boyd stars with four goals in VFL

TOM Boyd opens up after his controversial incident with teammate Zaine Cordy after an impressive showing for Footscray in the VFL.

Tom Boyd put aside his pub incident to star for Footscray in the VFL. Picture: Mark Stewart

WESTERN Bulldogs $6 million man Tom Boyd shrugged off his $5000 fine for a drunken pub incident with teammate Zaine Cordy with an impressive showing for the Footscray in the VFL match against Coburg at Piranha Park.

Playing at full-forward and centre half-forward, Boyd, 20, who the club also banned from AFL selection indefinitely for the June 11 incident, booted four goals from 15 disposals.

He took three marks, laid two tackles and had brief spells on the ball, changing with Tom Campbell in the wet centre square area.

“Me and Zaine are extremely remorseful for our actions and we’ve dealt with the consequences at the club,” he told Channel 7.

“It’s been a really challenging period in my life and my families but ultimately I think I’ll come out stronger on the other side.

“Me and Zaine fit six people in a three-bedroom apartment so we’re obviously still really close and like you said he’s a great mate of mine and will be into the future.

Tom Boyd kicked four goals in the VFL. Picture: Mark Stewart

Boyd kicked two goals in each half as Footscray threatened the Lions several times, but fell short by 12 points — 13.7 (85 to 9.19 (73).

Coburg’s matchwinner was Ahmed Saad, who kicked six goals.

Footscray coach Ashley Hansen told the Sunday Herald Sun, Boyd had been in quality form in his three previous VFL matches.

“He has been an influential player for us,” he said.

Hansen would not to be drawn on Boyd’s suspension.

“I am worrying about our team, not an individual player,” he said.

Boyd listens in to coach Ashley Hansen. Picture: Mark Stewart

Boyd eventually hit the scoreboard after his first kick went out on the full and he was held by the Lions defender Mark Orr for most of the first quarter.

He appeared not to relish rucking, and was out-reached by Tom Goodwin.

Boyd has been out of the Western Bulldogs side since sustaining a shoulder injury on April 16.

In further good news for the Bulldogs, midfielder Koby Stevens finished with 38 disposals after missing three matches with an abdominal injury. Mitch Honeychurch had 24 touches and defender Kieran Collins 19.

Meanwhile, former North Melbourne star Peter German has accepted a deal to coach Coburg in 2017, his third year.

PORT Melbourne damaged Essendon’s finals chances, winning by seven points at Windy Hill despite losing former Brisbane Lions forward Mitch Golby with a dislocated shoulder just before half-time.

Port’s best included Tom 0’Sullivan with 28 touches and Mitch Arnot with 23.

The Bombers best were Kyle Langford (24) and James Polkinghorne (23).

Originally published as Banned Bulldog Tom Boyd stars with four goals in VFL