Tom Boyd’s indefinite suspension at Western Bulldogs will lift ‘when the vibe is right’

THE Western Bulldogs will lift Tom Boyd’s indefinite AFL suspension “when the vibe is right” — possibly before Saturday night’s clash against Richmond.

Tom Boyd at Western Bulldogs training. Picture: Jay Town

THE Western Bulldogs will lift Tom Boyd’s indefinite AFL suspension “when the vibe is right” — possibly before Saturday night’s clash against Richmond.

Coach Luke Beveridge yesterday said the Dogs had no regrets on how they handled Boyd’s drunken scuffle with teammate Zaine Cordy and backed the No. 1 draft pick to become a “force to be reckoned with”.

Boyd’s best chance of a recall against the Tigers appears to be at veteran Will Minson’s expense.

Beveridge said he loved the contest Minson gave in the ruck against Sydney but stopped short of guaranteeing his selection.

Boyd kicked four VFL goals on Saturday but had a torrid time opposed to Alex Rance in Round 2 last season with the All-Australian Tiger collecting 28 disposals and two Brownlow votes.

“I can’t actually tell you at this point in time if he’s available this week,” Beveridge said.

Tom Boyd at Western Bulldogs training. Picture: Jay Town

“There’s no exact time limit (on the ban). It’s when the vibe is right, really, which isn’t ideal.

“We treat our own pretty preciously and if one my kids played up I wouldn’t go and tell the neighbours.

“I’d need to find out what actually happened and would keep it in-house.

“We went through a process of finding out what actually happened. There was alcohol involved so it was a little bit vague unfortunately and that’s what alcohol does to you.”

Beveridge said players, management and coaches would decide together when Boyd, 20, could be picked again.

Cordy trained with the Dogs away from Whitten Oval last night and sported a mark under his right eye, where he was struck by Boyd.

The Dogs are expected to replace Marcus Adams (foot) with Fletcher Roberts while Koby Stevens is pushing for selection after 39 disposals in the VFL.

Beveridge said star on-baller Luke Dahlhaus was out of his knee brace but still about three weeks away.

The second-year coach said the Dogs were still stung by their poor showing against Geelong and wary the Tigers could lift.

He said the Dogs were creating enough scoring opportunities but still hoping to become a more powerful offensive unit.

They are ranked No. 2 in defence this season but have dropped to 10th in attack.

“We’re just starting to scratch the surface (of scoring) and it’d be nice to breakthrough,” Beveridge said.

Brad Lynch and Zaine Cordy share a laugh. Picture: Jay Town

The Dogs could move back into the top four this round despite yet another blow to their backline in Adams, who will miss 2-3 weeks.

They have battled bravely this season with first-choice defenders Easton Wood (five games), Matthew Suckling (four) and Jason Johannisen (nine) all missing chunks.

Adams has already missed three while Bob Murphy suffered a season-ending knee injury in Round 3.

Beveridge said Boyd established himself as a “really important cog in our best 22” before suffering a repeat shoulder injury in Round 4.

“Medium to long-term I’m really excited by what Tom offers,” Beveridge said.

“He is a big, powerful man (and) we know he can play in the ruck.

“He started to really launch at the footy before he got injured and I can’t wait until he gets back and shows us that again, and he starts to really establish himself as a figure in our game that is a force to be reckoned with.”