Loading Boyd's early retirement cut his seven-year contract short by more than two-and-a-half seasons, giving up close to $2 million in the process. Beveridge said it was hard for people to understand the physical impact of depression and anxiety. “It affects your sleep patterns, your diet, your ability to just cope with the small things in life, let alone play AFL football.” He lashed out at the media for the scrutiny over Boyd’s contract, with a particular reference one journalist, who he chose not to name. “That will never be forgiven by anyone at our football club. That’s a choice that a certain journalist made and it’s a window into that person’s soul and how black that soul is.”

He praised the 23-year-old's influential involvement in the team, with particular reference to the 2016 grand final and the Bulldogs' famous premiership that ended the club's 62-year premiership drought with a 22-point victory over Sydney. “He definitely played his best game of AFL football on the biggest stage and he was extremely influential in the grand final," Beveridge said. An emotional departure: Tom Boyd. Credit:AAP “That’s going to be a fond memory for Tom and everyone who loves the Bulldogs.” Boyd was picked first in the 2013 draft by GWS but was traded the following year for a spot with the Bulldogs. After the 2016 grand final, he spent a period of time out of the game, with the club revealing he had been dealing with depression. He also suffered a back injury that added to his time off the field.

Beveridge acknowledged the immense pressures that come with being a professional athlete and thanked Boyd for his efforts. "He had an enormous impact in those couple of years where he was endeavouring to bring his absolute best to the highest level of this game. Unfortunately the highest of highs were followed by the lowest of lows afterwards. It’s sad." The highest of highs were followed by the lowest of lows. Luke Beveridge, Western Bulldogs coach Meanwhile, speaking on ABC radio, Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon said he had watched Boyd's enjoyment in playing the game fade in recent times. Gordon praised Boyd as a “talented man” and said “unforgiving” social media had undoubtedly played a role in Boyd’s deteriorating mental health.

“The anonymous trolls who have the freedom from their darkened rooms sending off their acrimony of the whole thing," Gordon said. “You know not to read it but you know it’s going on. “They certainly got to me about him. I have taken the critique of Tom pretty personally.” Beveridge said it was too early to tell how the other players will be affected by Boyd's departure, but was confident emotions wouldn't get in the team's way as they prepare to face Geelong on the Cats' home turf tomorrow.

Loading "They care for him and feel for him but Tom's still with us. "I think they’ll be all right. We’ve lived Tom’s journey for quite a while and in many ways it’s probably not a surprise." He said Boyd has the support of his family, friends and girlfriend and while he needs to focus on his recovery for now, if he ever were to return, Beveridge said the club would like "first dibs" on him. "It's not so simple as you can imagine ... I'm sure if Tom in the future goes down that track, we'd like to have first dibs on him.