LACK of form is the only reason Western Bulldogs premiership forward Tom Boyd has not been able to get a senior game so far this season, captain Easton Wood says.
Boyd hasn't been able to break into the Bulldogs' side in the first three rounds despite the club's struggles in attack, particularly during crushing losses to Greater Western Sydney and West Coast.
The key forward has not played at AFL level since round 13 last year after taking time away from the game to deal with mental health issues.
"Unfortunately he is not in the best 22 at the moment," Wood told SEN.
"Obviously his best football is incredible and we want to get him back to that as soon as we possibly can. He'll be a great help to our team at that level.
"It's just a form thing. Sometimes you just can't find it."
Boyd's preparation was slightly hampered after he suffered a glute injury late in the pre-season and has struggled to assert himself at VFL level.
The 22-year-old had 17 hit-outs, eight disposals and three marks in Footscray’s loss to Sandringham last weekend.
Wood is confident that Boyd will soon rediscover his best form.
"I'm sure one of the positive things we have seen is that Tommy is working hard at it. He is coming into training with an effort and application, he’s putting the work in," he said.
"I've got no doubt it will turn for him."
Boyd will notch his 50th AFL game when next picked for the senior side.
Boyd has booted 44 goals in 49 games, and was originally drafted by Greater Western Sydney – where he spent one season – with pick No.1 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft.