While the Western Bulldogs ultimately hope Tom Boyd will be their power forward panacea, new skipper Bob Murphy has moved to ensure expectations, at least for the time being, remain reserved.
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Boyd has joined the Bulldogs effectively on a seven-year deal worth about $7 million, providing the Bulldogs with a true marking target they have long craved.
However, having played just nine matches, the Bulldogs stress Boyd will take time to morph into the player many have tipped him to become.
"I know from the exterior there is so much froth and bubble about how he came to the club, and the length of his contract and the money - and I understand that," Murphy said.
"But I have only had one week at the club and I have been so excited by the fact that he has fully embraced the players and the club and, more importantly, the players and club have embraced him.
"He has a wise head on young, broad shoulders. I think he is going to be around for a long time and be a fantastic player for our club."
Boyd has lifted his training since he was confined to indoor duties while overcoming appendicitis last month.
The former Greater Western Sydney Giant has reminded some of Geelong power forward Tom Hawkins because of his sheer size. Hawkins took time to develop, but is arguably the league's premier key-position forward.
"He [Boyd] is certainly big and he has a lot of talent. There is also a long, long way to go. He is only 19," Murphy said.
"I don't want to put too much pressure on him early, but the thing that has given me most heart is that he has only been here for a couple of weeks and he very much feels a part of the group.
"The boys have taken him in as one of their own as any good football club does. The future is bright for him, but more importantly it is brighter for us."
Boyd could yet emerge a team leader, with the likes of Jordan Roughead, Tom Liberatore and Luke Dahlhaus already emerging as natural long-term leaders.
"It's a wave of a generation that are coming through that are still quite young. The older guys, myself, [Matthew] Boydy, Dale Morris, Will Minson - our job is still clearly to perform on the field, but also to nurture the culture and the work ethic of those young guys coming through," Murphy said.
Entering his 16th season, Murphy said the Bulldogs were in a "healing" phase after a couple of years of "hurt" where the team sat near the foot of the ladder. The Bulldogs have not played in the finals since 2010 under then coach Rodney Eade.
