FORMER Narre Warren footballer Matthew Boyd capped a career-year with all-Australian selection on Monday night.
The hard-nosed 184cm, 90kg midfielder joined Western Bulldogs team-mate Brian Lake in making the squad for the first time.
Boyd, 27, averaged 28.7 disposals in 21 home-and-away games this season.
The ex-Dandenong Stingray also kicked 15 goals and amassed 124 clearances, 86 inside 50s and 39 rebound 50s.
AFL recruiters initially overlooked Boyd, but he continued to chase his dream of playing at the elite level for Frankston in the VFL.
He started in the Dolphins’ reserves side before breaking into the senior line-up and impressing enough for the Bulldogs to select him in the 2001 rookie draft.
Boyd made his AFL debut in 2003 after being elevated off the rookie list and has since become one of the Bulldogs’ best players.
His stunning rise in the game was rewarded last year with selection in the Australian team for the two-game International Rules Series against Ireland in Perth and Melbourne.
Boyd earns spot in national team
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