A LEANER Tom Boyd is confident his trimmer frame will be better equipped for AFL football after feeling too heavy during his first season for Greater Western Sydney.

The new Western Bulldog, who is set to make his debut for the club in its NAB Challenge opener on Saturday against Richmond, has dropped 3kg over the pre-season.

He has also turned weight into muscle, leaving him more prepared for his second AFL season after struggling to cover the ground at times for the Giants.

"From my point of view I was probably less mobile than I was in the past, but I'm a big guy and I always have been," Boyd said on Monday.

"It was probably more from a development point of view that I didn't realise what weight I could play at. It was a really good learning curve for me to assess where my body's at, and what I can handle at AFL level.

"Obviously I had no idea what the standard would be like, but I'm a bit lighter this year and looking to have a good year."

Boyd enters his career at the Bulldogs with new expectations placed upon him.

He knows they are natural from those outside the club – his long-term multi-million dollar deal has already attracted plenty of opinions.

But he sees the views of those inside Whitten Oval, where he will meet the Tigers on Saturday, as most important.

"I am 19, but at the same time I am here to play the best footy I can and that's always been my goal at whatever level I've played and whatever age group," Boyd said.

"I'll be looking to make as much ground as I can and look to improve every chance I get.

"For those who know me, my goals and aspirations are fairly high anyway. And they're not going to change for any speculation outside of the club or people I don't personally know. I'll be aiming to get the most of myself and outside opinions won't change that."

Giants coach Leon Cameron told AFL.com.au last week that Boyd struggled with homesickness in his year at the club, saying "he probably felt his football wasn't doing the talking".

Boyd, who was the No.1 NAB AFL Draft pick in 2013, said he enjoyed being back home in Victoria, and noticed the change it had brought in his football.

"My general demeanour is a bit more balanced down here and it's been really good getting to see my family a little bit more, who I'm really close with," Boyd said.

"I've settled into the club extremely well and the boys have been really good to me. I just can't wait to get into games and hopefully put it out on the park."