2002: By Matthew Lloyd’s standards he would tell you he had an average year in 2002. However, despite missing eight games due to injury, he still won Essendon’s goal kicking award, came ninth in the Coleman medal and took the most contested marks in the team. His performance in his comeback match against the Western Bulldogs in Round 14 was a highlight for the season – he booted five goals and polled the second highest Crichton Medal votes behind skipper James Hird in that game. Season 2002 didn’t end on a positive note for Lloyd, he was severely concussed in the first Elimination final against West Coast and consequently missed the second final against Port Adelaide.

Strengths: Lloyd’s marking ability is the key to his game. He has improved his upper body strength in the past couple of years, which makes him difficult to beat in a marking contest both in a pack and especially one-on-one. Lloyd also takes a strong overhead mark and isn’t afraid to put his body on the line. Lloyd’s accuracy in front of goal is another key ingredient to the success of his game. He is one player you would put your money on to convert from a standing start and on the run.

Position: There is no question that Lloyd is the leading full-forward in the competition. Each week he takes the opposition’s best defender and is often double tagged to stop him having a damaging influence on the game. Depending on the game situation, the coaching panel may move Lloyd up to the half forward area, allowing Paul Barnard or another forward option to rotate into full forward. Regardless of the position he plays in the forward line, Lloyd is always dangerous in front of goal and has to be closely guarded by the opposition.

2003: Lloyd will be hoping to have an injury-free year and continue to be the Bombers dominant forward option. He provides a strong marking target up forward and when he leads for the football rarely misses a mark. He is one of the team’s most experienced players now and is integral to the Bomber’s success. Lloyd’s increase in strength over the past couple of seasons has enhanced his on-field physical presence and he is more aggressive towards the ball. Lloyd will be aiming to kick another 100 goals this season as he did in 2000 and 2001.

Kevin Sheedy says: Obviously we missed Lloydy when he was out last year, he and Hird head up the forwardline and when he kicks a bag of goals it pleases the fans and himself. We don’t need him to kick a hundred goals to win a premiership. 70 – 80 in a premiership team would be fantastic. Alistair Lynch did a great job for Brisbane last year without kicking a ton of goals. As a team we need to address being too “Lloyd conscious” in front of goal by strengthening and focussing on alternative approaches to on the forwardline. Together with James Hird, Matthew demonstrates outstanding leadership on and off the field.