While the events that led to teenage power forward Tom Boyd becoming a Bulldog moved quickly last week, the decision to sign the 19-year-old was anything but rushed.

Speaking to Triple M’s ‘Dead Set Legends’ program on Saturday, Garlick indicated the Club had been tracking the progress of the 2013 No. 1 draft pick, well before Ryan Griffen informed the Dogs of his intention to seek a trade to the Greater Western Sydney Giants.

Wherever Boyd had played his NEAFL football in 2014, a club scout was there observing his progress.

“We certainly knew the enormity of the decision we were making, but it certainly wasn’t one that was made overnight,” Garlick said.

“We’d been tracking Tom’s progress for a long period of time, and really identified him, not just his playing ability…but we also knew a fair bit about his background, his family upbringing, the type of character he is too.”

Though the Dogs parted with pick six in this year’s draft along with Griffen to ensure Boyd’s passage to the Club, Garlick is confident time will reward the Club’s bold move.

“It came at a cost and we understand that, but we think in the fullness of time - over 10, 12 hopefully 14 year career that Tom build’s at the Western Bulldogs - it will be seen as a really strong and prudent decision.

“We had no issue whatsoever in terms of the length of tenure we’ve offered Tom, obviously as a 19 year old after his first year of league footy, he’s in great physical knick, and he hasn’t had any history of injury.”

With the trade period now complete, the next key decision on the Club’s immediate horizon is that of appointing a senior coach.

Garlick indicated the coach selection sub-committee would be finalized in the next week, with the recruitment process for the new coach to start in earnest thereafter.

“It’s as important a decision as our club will make for a long period of time,” Garlick said.

“It’s something we want to do as quickly as possible, but without rushing it unduly, so we can make sure it is the right man for the job.”