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Matthew Lloyd is back with his exclusive weekly column `The Insider` in season 2003. And today he looks at a couple of his star teammates who some football writers have suggested are on the downhill slide. Lloyd says James Hird and Mark Mercuri have had exceptional pre-seasons and are set to play some great football this season. Go to <a href=""/news/insider.asp?id=73"">The Insider</a> to read Matthew Lloyd's first column for 2003.
Not in his wildest dreams did draftee Jason Laycock think he would be in contention for senior selection for Round 1. This time last year he was pulling on his football boots for the Tassie Mariners; 12 months on Laycock is vying for a spot in the Essendon line-up to take on the reigning premiers. The 18-year-old has played every practice match for the Bombers and impressed the coaching panel with his performances in the ruck and up forward.
Read now180-gamer to take reins as Bombers confirm 2026 leadership group.
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