THE WESTERN Bulldogs are still as excited about key forward Tom Boyd as they were when they first lured him to Whitten Oval at the end of 2014, according to coach Luke Beveridge.

The 20-year-old put in an excellent performance against the Cats, kicking three goals in a losing cause and winning the ball around the ground.

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After a year of scrutiny and criticism, some commentators were even calling for Boyd to take a pay cut to relieve the pressure on him. 

Beveridge heaped praise on the forward's game and said the Bulldogs had no doubt he was heading towards becoming the player he hoped to become. 

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"He was aggressive and a real handful, it felt, for their defence," Beveridge said.

"He is going to keep growing. He is still only 20. I'm looking forward to getting an invite to his 21st [birthday]".

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The coach resisted the temptation to ridicule suggestions of a pay cut, choosing to take the opportunity to throw his support behind Boyd.

"We already know he is a good investment for us and we think he is going to be a stellar player but he is going to take a little bit of time. He is a young key forward," Beveridge said. 

"We're still as bullish about the recruiting of him as we were at the start.

"We feel really fortunate to have him with us and we will keep building around him as time goes on."

Beveridge also praised veteran Jed Adcock and young gun Marcus Bontempelli after the loss to the Cats, saying they demonstrated the sort of versatility that will be required in the remaining part of the season. 

"[We've] got to remain positive," Beveridge said. 

"We've just got to keep adapting to what we need with so many players out … and start winning again, that's the key."