WHEN you ask people about Matthew Boyd, the overwhelming feeling expressed about the veteran is that he is tough but fair.

From teammates to coaches, they speak of the universal respect the hard-nosed Bulldog has earned since he arrived at Whitten Oval as a rookie in 2002.

Former mentor Rodney Eade has paid tribute to Boyd's "quality character and leadership" while Scott Clayton, the respected recruiter who spotted him languishing in the Frankston reserves as an undrafted teenager, declared: "He's one of the picks I'm most proud of."

After winning admiration on and off the field in 14 seasons at the top level, Boyd's career will be celebrated at Etihad Stadium on Sunday when he receives much-deserved AFL life membership.

Since making his debut in round seven, 2003, Boyd, 33, has amassed 267 premiership season games, 28 pre-season/night series games and had the honour of representing Australia in four International Rules tests.

Boyd's resume also boasts All Australian honours in 2009 and 2011, three best and fairests and being the club captain for three seasons.

When asked about Boyd's contribution to the game, coach Luke Beveridge couldn't speak more highly of a player he believes is the "lifeblood" of the red, white and blue.

"He's been outstanding," Beveridge said.

"He's such an important figure around our football club - lifeblood of the organisation.

"He was always one of those dour players that had a good balance in his game between defence and attack.

"He's been such a stalwart and we need his impact as much as we ever had."

Before Beveridge arrived at Whitten Oval at the end of 2014, Boyd was disillusioned with the game and on the brink of retirement. But the new coach delayed the veteran's plan for a post-football career in stockbroking with his decision to turn the prolific midfielder into a defensive playmaker last season.

The move has proved to be inspired. While Boyd has lost none of his ball-winning ways, he has become a reliable kick - something that had eluded him in the cut and thrust of the midfield.

This season Boyd has averaged 27 possessions a game and is eighth in the AFL for effective disposals.

"His role has changed now and there's no doubt opposition clubs are wary of him," Beveridge said.

"He works so hard and covers so much ground, he's a very difficult player to combat.

"He's had an outstanding start to the year. We missed him when he was out (suspended, but) he picked up where he left off on the weekend."

Jack Redpath also fell foul of the Match Review Panel after the round eight win over the Demons, remaining in Melbourne with Boyd to serve one-match bans while the Dogs made an ill-fated trip to Sydney to face the Giants.

Acts of irresponsibility do not go down well at AFL level as the key forward quickly learned on meeting an "extremely ruthless and demanding" Boyd as a mature-aged recruit in 2011.

While he admits his suspension "let the boys down", Redpath believes Boyd would view his own misdemeanor as a case of not practising what he preaches.

"Personally, I love that sort of bloke who will stand up and tell you when you've done the wrong thing," Redpath said.

"I got along with him really well because I was a little bit older and had worked with older blokes when I was a carpenter.

"So I knew how to handle older blokes a little bit better than the younger guys, who found him a little bit intimidating.

'He'll give you a spray, but he'll be the first one to give you a pat on the back, too."

After treading similar paths to the big time and sharing the same outlook on life, Redpath believes he couldn't have asked for a better example than Boyd to show what it takes to be a professional footballer.

"I don't think there's anyone who works harder than him, he's just a fanatic," Redpath said.

"He just works his butt off each week to make himself better. He's always doing extras and he's not one of those blokes who rest on their laurels.

"You think back to what he achieved as a midfielder, what he's doing down back and what he's done for the club - he's an extremely impressive person.

"It's great to have him as a mate and a role model."