2016 was a year of growth for Western Bulldogs big man Tom Boyd.

In and out of the side early, Boyd grew in confidence and stature as the season went on before delivering in a major way for his Club on the biggest day of the year.

Boyd’s 14-touch, eight mark and three goal performance on grand final day earned him maximum votes from two of the five Norm Smith judges, the 21-year-old telling Channel Seven that being a part of the Club’s finals campaign was a ‘humbling’ experience.

“The whole backend of the year for me was a real growing experience, Boyd said.

“I felt more comfortable out on the field and I take great confidence from how I finished the year, I’m really happy and looking forward to another big season.

“The more you win and the more you overcome as a team, it just becomes so intrinsic in you that you have to compete.”

The image of Boyd’s arms outstretched in celebration with Toby McLean riding his back is etched in the minds of many, but it was Liam Picken that quickly brought the big man back to earth after that goal.  

“I was pretty excited about the initial moment but Liam Picken got over to me pretty quick and said ‘just focus, we’ve still got a little bit of time to go’, he recalled. 

“Speaking to him after the game he said that we’d come so far and all [he] was thinking in that moment was that we are not losing it from here.”

With the AFL season only six weeks away, Boyd says he’s looking forward to sharing the forward half with new recruit Travis Cloke and the returning Stewart Crameri, but he does expect to continue to spend time up the ground.

“Trav’s slotted into the Club really well, he’s a terrific guy, and it’s going to be nice to have another big body there, and obviously Stewie Crameri as well. 

“[But] I see myself playing in a similar sort of role to last year – I think it suits my strengths, being able to cover the ground and pinch hit in the ruck as well as play forward.

“It’s an exciting time.”