For many little Bombers Sunday’s victory over Port Adelaide was a special occasion, and for Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd’s son Jacob it was perhaps a glimpse into the future.

Jacob Lloyd dreams of following in the footsteps of his father, who booted an astonishing 926 goals from 270 games in the red and black.

The youngest of three siblings, Jacob was never able to watch his famous father grace the ground, yet he is the one who loves playing the most.

“Only one of them got to see me play, so it’s nice for my younger two to be able to witness what it was like to play in front of a big crowd at Etihad Stadium,” Matthew Lloyd said.

“My girls aren’t into playing, but they don’t mind watching it.

“He’s five but his dream, like mine was, is to play for the Essendon Football Club.”

Lloyd said he is hopeful his son can don the sash in the future to accomplish his dreams.

“It would be nice if he’s good enough. There’s a lot of pressure obviously when it gets to that time, but it’s his dream at this stage anyway.”

Staying close to a football club once a career comes to an end can be difficult for players, but Essendon is determined to maintain its relationships with past players.

Through the James Hird Academy this filters right through to the children of former Bombers, with the next generation of Essendon stars further strengthening their families’ connections to the club.

Many of the JHA’s members were on hand on Sunday to provide a guard of honour for the current squad of Bombers, and Lloyd said it was “really important” for the club to engage with Essendon families.

“Essendon Football Club has been a brilliant club in terms of always engaging with its past players,” he said.

“I know that once your career ends it’s a real shock, because you’re there one minute full-time and the next a lot of guys lose what’s next for them.

“So to stay involved like this, even if it’s only for a couple of times a year, is really great.”

CLICK HERE to learn more about the James Hird Academy.