Western Bulldogs' skipper Matthew Boyd says he just wants to get on with playing football again and won't wear any protective headgear on Sunday in his AFL comeback after missing three matches with a fractured cheekbone.
The three-time club champion returns to the lineup for Sunday's round-18 clash with West Coast at Etihad Stadium as the 15th-placed Bulldogs aim to build on their strong showings against competition heavyweights Hawthorn and Essendon in the past two weeks.
"I'm not sure about the intricacies of how bones heal," Boyd told reporters on Thursday.
"I know it's strong and I'm confident to go out there and play this week and so are the doctors and that's all that matters.
"No, I won't be wearing a helmet. As the surgeon said to me, it's a personal choice.
"I'd just rather get out there and play and forget about it."
Carlton skipper Marc Murphy was out for two weeks with a fractured cheekbone and returned in round 15 against Hawthorn wearing headgear.
Boyd says he's encouraged by the way other team leaders such as fellow on-baller Ryan Griffen have performed. Two-time All-Australian Boyd is pushing Griffen's case to win his first All-Australian jumper.
The 26-year-old Griffen had 37 touches last week against the Hawks.
"We've seen the quality that Ryan Griffen is as a leader and as a player and he has really stepped up in that role when I've been out," Boyd said.
"If 'Griff' finishes the season off well, I can't see why he wouldn't be in the mix for a spot in the All-Australian side.
"He has had a very consistent year and that's what the All-Australian selectors look for.
"He's right up there in the elite category. The attributes that he's got mean that he can be an absolute superstar in the competition and he's starting to show that."
Boyd says not only does the 188cm Griffen possess a great sidestep but he has developed his game as an inside midfielder and outside midfielder.
"That's a pretty potent mix," Boyd said.
Boyd says the 10th-placed Eagles will be tough to beat, especially with Coleman Medal pacesetter Josh Kennedy (51 goals) leading their attack.
Share
