FORMER Western Bulldogs captain Matthew Boyd is confident his decision to step down from the leadership role will give him more time to focus on his football.
 
 
After missing nine games through injury in 2013, Boyd told AFL.com.au the time was right for a changing of the guard.
 
"When you make any sort of big decision, you've got to weigh up a number of decisions and considerations I guess," Boyd said.
 
"One of those has to be what's right for yourself as an individual. I think being able to pass over to 'Griff' will mean that, yeah, I probably do get a bit more time to concentrate on my body and preparing myself to play footy.
 
"It will give me a little bit of extra time and focus back on preparation. In saying that, all older players and more senior players at footy clubs have got a responsibility to the whole group, and that's definitely a big part of it."

Boyd says he came to the decision towards the end of last season, and admitted the fact that Griffen was waiting in the wings made the move easier.
 
But even without the title, Boyd intends to play a role in leading the young group.
 
"In a lot of ways being the captain is just a title," Boyd said.
 
"I don't think my leadership around the group and on the field will diminish in any way, and that's the most enjoyable part for me, being able to lead on field, and I guess, set and drive standards within a pretty young group.
 
"I don't think I'll necessarily miss any one particular aspect of it. I think the thing with being named the captain of a footy club is that it's really humbling, and it's a great honour.
 
"I guess that's the big thing that you've got to get your head around, that I was elected the captain of the footy club and to let that go is I guess a little bit sad in some ways, but it's exciting in a lot of other ways."
 
The Bulldogs' midfield has evolved significantly in recent years, with the introduction of a host of young and exciting players including Tom Liberatore, Mitch Wallis and Nathan Hrovat.
 

This progression will affect Boyd's role, but he's hoping to still play a big part in 2014.
 
"I'm not actually sure what my role will be next year. I'm hoping to still be in the midfield and running around but we've got an enormous amount of talent that will roll through that midfield group," he said.
 
"I think it's a really exciting time for the footy club. Whatever the coaches and whatever 'Macca' (coach Brendan McCartney) has in store for me, I'm ready for the challenge, and I hope that I'm out there for the majority of the year to play whatever role they need me to."

Matthew Boyd in round nine, 2013, with Ted Whitten jr and the Barker/Walker plate. Picture: AFL Media