by Nick Brown (Twitter: @nickbbrown)
EVERYONE has critics and those that doubt them. And Tom Boyd is no different.
It’s hard to remember when Boyd wasn’t touted as this year’s No. 1 pick for the AFL’s National Draft.
But Eastern Ranges premiership teammate Daniel McStay can remember a time.
‘A while back, people were saying Tom was too fat, too slow and even questioned him as a person and said he wouldn’t get drafted,’ the defender revealed.
McStay never let the harsh and critical comments force him to lose faith in the star forward.
‘I always knew he [Boyd] would get drafted,’ McStay said, as if he had never been more sure of anything in his whole life.
Translating the criticism, McStay says the ‘too fat’ call was over nothing more than a bit of ‘puppy fat’, while the ‘too slow’ call and questions marks over his mate as a person were unfair.
But as harsh and unfair as the critics might have been, McStay believes Boyd has come out the other side better for it and will continue to prove them wrong.
And who would know better than the guy who has been by Boyd’s side since he was a towering 12-year-old on the first day of secondary school to the eve of the draft.
As best mates do, they have ridden the highs and lows together.
‘I’ve experienced everything with Tom,’ McStay said.
‘We have basically gone from being kids to adults and it’s been amazing to see him become the person and player that he is.
‘He has done it all himself and I believe the way he has handled all the hype and stayed so humble, plus the way he handles himself with the media, it’s amazing.’
Not only has Boyd focused on himself and his draft dreams, he has also played a big role in assisting his Ranges teammates.
That’s just one example of the person Boyd is, removing any question marks.
‘He has been so helpful with all us boys,’ McStay said.
‘He has helped us with the interview process and what to say and what not to say and just how to deal with it all. He had been through it before we even knew about it.’
After taking on Boyd’s advice following a great individual year, McStay himself is a chance to be drafted in the top 30 also.
He is on the radar of several clubs, including North Melbourne, Western Bulldogs, Brisbane and Adelaide.
But as much as he’d love to hear his name called out, it’s hearing the name ‘Tom Boyd’ called out at No. 1 that will give him an equally as big thrill.
‘He is good enough to be the number one pick and deserves to be,’ he said.
‘I’ve been best mates with him through all of this and it’s been the best. I just can’t wait to see him go at number one.’