Bulldogs hit Boyd, Cordy with AFL bans

The Western Bulldogs’ multi-million dollar key forward Tom Boyd and AFL teammate Zaine Cordy are serving indefinite club suspensions for a late-night drunken stoush.

Boyd was the instigator of the altercation, which happened at a Melbourne pub at the start of this month as he and Cordy were returning from injury.

The Bulldogs revealed the altercation on Thursday, despite being aware of the incident soon after it happened.

They also fined Boyd $5000 and made him undergo counselling, plus he has made a donation to an anti-violence charity.

Cordy reportedly needed some medical treatment after their fight, which apparently started as good-natured and then escalated.

While their suspensions are indefinite, Boyd could be back early next month in the AFL team.

He and Cordy will continue to play in the VFL.

The Bulldogs recruited Boyd, the 2013 No.1 draft pick, from GWS in the 2014 trade period on a bumper seven-year deal that made him one of the AFL’s highest-paid players.

He played the first four games of this season, but has suffered from shoulder problems and is coming back through the VFL.

Coach Luke Beveridge had said earlier this week that Boyd was in contention for Saturday’s big match against Sydney at the SCG.

Boyd and Cordy have fronted Bulldogs teammates and staff to apologise.

“We’ve fronted up to the incident internally, among the players and the club, because we do think of each other as family … we protect each other as well,” said captain Bob Murphy.

“It’s not ideal. Of course you’d love to avoid these sorts of things, but everyone makes mistakes and the boys have owned up.”

Bulldogs great Brad Johnson told Fox Sports that Boyd and Cordy remained good friends in the wake of their altercation.

“There is no lingering feud between these two players,” he said.

The Bulldogs issued a statement on Thursday detailing the penalties.

“The club is strongly against any form of violent behaviour and is extremely disappointed in the actions of both players, particularly by the actions of Tom,” the Bulldogs said.

“Tom and Zaine have accepted these sanctions, and they have all been implemented.

“Additionally, Tom has volunteered a significant personal contribution of time and money to a not-for-profit organisation focused on the prevention of social violence.

“Tom and Zaine have committed to the club that there will be no repetition of such behaviour and that they will atone to their teammates and the club.”

Boyd has played 27 senior games since his 2014 debut, while Cordy’s two senior games for the Bulldogs were last season.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!