Dogs veteran Matthew Boyd says there is still plenty of learning to do as he enters his 13th AFL season.

The 32-year-old, who has spent the majority of his 239-game career in the midfield, is adapting to a potential new role across half-back and is finding motivation in the new task.

“It’s been exciting, it’s been a new challenge so I’m just trying to learn to play a different role.

“I just want to add a little bit of versatility to my role and that’s been really exciting.”

Coach Luke Beveridge is instilling flexibility in his new team and Boyd says adding a more defensive side to his game has been a key motivator this pre-season.

“There’s definitely some challenges and some things I’ve got to learn, just keep pushing myself to do that as quickly as possible because the season’s just around the corner.”

Veteran defender and Boyd’s close friend Dale Morris, vice-captain Jordan Roughead and young defender Easton Wood have all been a source of inspiration for Boyd.

“There’s always something new to learn and you go and interact with new coaches, guys in the backline… you’re trying to learn as much as you can off them,” said Boyd.

Boyd is set to play his 250-game milestone in 2015, sitting 11 games shy.