FROM Spotswood to IKON Park, via Footscray.

Jordan Boyd’s football journey took a significant step on Wednesday night when the VFL Bulldog was officially drafted by Carlton.

Selected in the 2021 NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft on a six-month contract, Boyd has been made to do it the hard way for his chance on an AFL list.

A product of the Maribyrnong Sports Academy where new teammates Josh Honey and Sam Ramsay also hail from, Boyd was given his chance with Footscray after impressing for Spotswood in the Western Region Football League.

The medium forward - who has shown his versatility by also playing down back in 2021 - has not missed a beat, kicking three goals against eventual premier Richmond on his debut while playing every game for the undefeated Dogs so far in this VFL season.

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A classy finisher going forward and around goal, Boyd uses his pace to his advantage and has spent more time up the ground so far in the 2021 VFL campaign.

Head of List Management Nick Austin said Boyd’s story was one of perseverance.

“We’re really pleased to be able to add Jordan to our football program,” Austin said.

“He’s 22 years of age and someone who has fought for everything that’s come his way: he really grasped the opportunity of VFL footy with both hands and we feel he’s the kind of player who can thrive in an AFL environment.

“We’ve liked his work mainly as a forward but he’s also someone who can get involved and work up the ground. He’s a good ball user and a lovely finisher around goal, so we think he’s going to complement what we’ve got in that forward mix.”