Eastern Ranges coach Darren Bewick believes the Bulldog’s decision to play Tom Boyd in the ruck is stunting his football development.
Bewick, the former Essendon champion, coached Boyd for two seasons at the Ranges and says he is a pure forward capable of terrorising opponents if afforded the right opportunity.
“He a full forward who can do some serious damage inside 30 or 40 metres from goal,” Bewick said.
“He’s not a ruckman. We rarely used him in that role at TAC Cup level and all his success with us was as a key forward.”
Boyd has struggled to find form after a blistering 2016 finals series that culminated in a brilliant Grand Final performance playing predominantly in the ruck.
But Bewick believes Boyd’s finals heroics might have skewed coaches’ views on his best position long term.
“That whole finals series came out of nowhere but the fact Tom has struggled a touch this year suggests it was a one-off rather than a long-term situation,” he said.
“Playing up forward I’ve got no doubt he can become one of the better old fashioned power forwards in the game.”
The 21-year-old is averaging 11 disposals, two marks and has kicked seven goals from 11 matches this season.
Bewick believes Boyd’s strength is play reading.
He has battled for playing time inside forward 50 after the arrival of Travis Cloke and the return from injury of Jack Redpath.
“He sees the game well and he can get to the right spots as a forward which is half the battle,” he said.
“He’s being criticised at the moment after expectations went through the roof after last year’s finals.
“In many ways he’s an easy target given his draft status and pay packet.”
Boyd missed last week’s win over North Melbourne with a calf injury but is some chance to return for Saturday’s clash against West Coast in what would be his 50th game.