Metro was too good for NSW/ACT Rams at Visy Park in the second round of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, winning 20.12 (132) to 9.8 (62) and Boyd was important in setting up the victory.
The strong-marking forward booted his six goals in the first three quarters before sitting out the final term ahead of Metro's vital game against Western Australia next Saturday in Perth.
At 199cm and 102kg Boyd is the best available key forward of this year's NAB AFL Draft and underlined his talent by playing imposing football against NSW/ACT. The 17-year-old ran hard and marked cleanly above his head and in packs, and fought for the ball at ground level.
The Eastern Ranges big man might even have been pushing double figures if not for a couple of wayward shots at goal.
Click here to read full coverage of the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships
It wasn't a lone-hand effort, though. Josh Kelly showed his poise through the midfield for Vic Metro with 26 disposals, while Luke McDonald gathered 24 in a solid outing.
Vic Metros' fleet of midfielders were well served by ruckman Michael Apeness, who had 15 disposals and 33 hit-outs.
Christian Salem finished with 21 disposals and three goals, and midfielder Nathan Freeman showed a burst of speed to go with his smarts around the contest. Another Sandringham Dragon, Karl Amon, was active closer to goal, kicking three majors and looking dangerous throughout the contest.
Talented forward Jack Billings hurt his knee in the first quarter and sat out the remainder of the game for Vic Metro, having started it in sharp touch.
Vic Metro won every quarter but NSW/ACT were not blown away as may have threatened to be the case early on, mainly due to the fine work of midfielders Michael Gibbons, Lloyd Perris and Jake Barrett.
Gibbons had 29 disposals and five tackles, while Perris (26 disposals and a goal) and Barrett (22 disposals, three goals) contributed nearly half of their side's goal power.
VIC METRO 5.3 8.7 14.8 20.12 (132)
NSW/ACT 2.1 5.2 6.6 9.8 (62)
GOALKICKERS
Vic Metro: Boyd 6, Amon 3, Salem 3, Apeness, Billings, Cutler, Franetic, Hayes, Lennon, Maginness, Ritchie
NSW/ACT: Barrett 3, Clothier, Edwards, Hiscox, King, Neagle, Perris
BEST?
Vic Metro: Apeness, Boyd, Hayes, Salem, Kelly, Freeman
NSW/ACT: Barrett, Perris, Gibbons, Janson, Clothier, Green
Follow AFL website reporter Callum Twomey on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey.
