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GREATER Western Sydney CEO Dave Matthews has steadfastly defended his club's decision to trade Tom Boyd, denying it would open the floodgates for other youngsters wanting out.
The Giants shipped last year's No.1 pick to the Western Bulldogs on Wednesday, receiving veteran Ryan Griffen and pick No.6 in return.
Matthews said he was happy to backflip on his previous statement of wanting to retain Boyd under any circumstances.
He told NAB AFL Trade Radio it was a decision not made lightly.
"We saw an opportunity to rapidly improve our position at the club, I think this is a great thing," Matthews said.
"I'm more than happy to change our decision and make a pragmatic decision in the best interests of the club."
Boyd was the fourth young Giant in this Trade Period alone to walk from the club, following Jono O'Rourke (Hawthorn) and Carlton-bound duo Kristian Jaksch and Mark Whiley.
Last year Taylor Adams (Collingwood), Dom Tyson (Melbourne) and Josh Bruce (St Kilda) were among six players traded out.
With the likes of Jeremy Cameron, Adam Treloar and Dylan Shiel among a host of others out of contract at the end of 2015, Matthews denied trading Boyd would set a poor precedent.
"We've got real confidence in the loyalty we're starting to build here, strong culture," he said.
"Clearly it's a culture Tom didn't feel comfortable in, but a lot of others do.
"We've got a great young coach in Leon Cameron, we've got an outstanding facility at Sydney Olympic Park. As we start to win more often I think not only will we hold players for longer, we'll start to attract players.
"We'll continue to treat every circumstance on its merit.
"We don't mind case-managing any player who's talking to us about their future career."
Matthews said attracting players like Griffen and dual Brisbane Lions best and fairest Joel Patfull, just 12 months after bringing in Heath Shaw and Shane Mumford, was music to the ears of the young playing list.
He remained adamant the Giants got the best of the trade with the Bulldogs.
"When you look at nine games of evidence, when you take into account the views of your leadership group, when you determine the value someone like Ryan Griffen can bring, and then pick No.6 and salary cap assistance … we'll never apologise making the decision on merit," he said.
"I think you'll find the young players here will be enjoying 2015 more than any season they have so far."
