Bob Murphy has described Tom Boyd’s trade to the Western Bulldogs as a “swing of optimism” at what was turbulent time for the club.
Boyd arrived at Whitten Oval from GWS on a lucrative long-term contract ahead of the 2015 season, after the departure of club captain Ryan Griffen to the Giants and the resignation of under-siege coach Brendan McCartney.
The 23-year-old announced his shock retirement from the game on Thursday after playing 61 games and booting 50 goals since being taken with pick No.1 in the 2013 AFL Draft.
He will be forever remembered for his performance in the 2016 Grand Final against Sydney, helping the Dogs break a 62-year premiership drought.
“The Tom Boyd trade was the first sign that we were swinging back – it was a swing of optimism,” Murphy told SEN’s Crunch Time.
“I was there, and it felt like: ‘Ok, we’re back in this combative mode, we’re not just covering up anymore’.
“Tom’s form was patchy, and he saved his absolute best for when we absolutely needed it, but that trade at the time was significant from a point of view of dignity.”
Boyd cited injuries and his mental health as reasons behind his decision to hang up the boots.
