Western Bulldogs defender Matthew Boyd has had an awakening of sorts in season 2015.

Boyd has enjoyed a move into the Dogs’ defensive line up under new coach Luke Beveridge, and says his new position has opened his eyes to other facets of the game.

“Maybe I should have been a backman earlier, and understood that when you do turn the ball over in the midfield the backs get hurt,” said Boyd earlier this week, speaking with The Age.

“I probably didn’t have that appreciation early in my career. It might have helped.”

Although a change from the typical inside midfield role he was used to, Boyd has relished his move to half-back, averaging 27 touches and seven marks a game.

Boyd says the defensive role allows him to view the game in a different way.

“You don’t even know (in the midfield) – don’t know structurally what was going on, who was playing well for the opposition.”

One of the standouts from the Bulldogs list in 2015, it’s evident that Boyd’s will to succeed has driven him to mastering a new art.

“When I put my mind to something I like seeing it through.”

Together with fellow veteran and club captain Bob Murphy, Boyd has formed a formidable defensive partnership, guiding the younger Dogs in the back half.

“I’m really proud of how we’ve stuck together. It’s been a great time to be a Bulldog.

“My focus now, not knowing whether this will be my last year, whether I’ve played my last final… You’ve just gotta enjoy it for what it is – the best job in the world.”