Bulldogs veteran set to play on in 2017

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has confirmed veteran defender and former captain Matthew Boyd will play on in 2017.

Conjecture had surrounded the All-Australian's future, with the 34-year-old still remaining uncontracted for next season.

However, Beveridge said that Boyd will continue his career next year after the two parties agreed to put contract negotiations on hold until the end of the season.

“Matthew and I have a very close relationship, close enough for me to be honest with him 10 or so weeks ago and for us to decide to leave it until a bit later,” Beveridge said on SEN Radio on Saturday morning.

“He wasn’t overly happy with that.

“We agreed to leave it. That was tough, that was a tough conversation.

“But he’ll go on next year. He’ll play on next year.”

Boyd was named in the All-Australian team for the third time in his career this year, averaging 27.4 disposals per game.