Essendon CEO Ian Robson says the club would stand by its plans to have an end at Etihad Stadium named after Matthew Lloyd for each Bombers' home game.
 
The 'Lloyd' end (which will replace the Gordon 'Coventry' end) will be unveiled before the Bombers' clash with Fremantle this Sunday with the pre-match Lloyd tribute starting at 1:30pm.
 
 
""Essendon was the first club to make a serious effort to theme its home-ground - which is Etihad Stadium for us - and the naming of the 'Lloyd' end at our home games starting this year is the next important step,"" Robson said.
 
""Last year, outside the ground we introduced massive posters, lighting and audio on the bridge, and messages on the big screen. Inside the ground there were posters and a siren to welcome the team onto the oval. Now we will have the 'Lloyd' end which will honour one of our greats at our home games and help create a true Essendon home-ground feel that has been missing.""
 
Robson said the Bombers respected Gordon Coventry and meant no offence but that the club will proceed with its plans to re-name the end that the Bombers will run out from.
 
 
""We mean no disrepect and simply want to create a home-ground feel by honouring one of our true champions. People forget that Lloyd played in the first ever game at Etihad and has kicked the most goals there,"" Robson said.
 
""The idea for a 'Lloyd' end at Etihad was first publicly raised by former CEO Peter Jackson toward the end of last year, and it was discussed at Matthew's retirement media conference and we have been working with Etihad Stadium on this project since then.
 
""It has been reported in the media and on essendonfc.com.au and we have been very open and excited about our plans.""
 
Robson noted the names at either end of Etihad were previously changed for a VFL Grand Final.
 
 
The Lloyd tribute kicks off at 1.30pm and will involve (in order):
  • A guard of honour to welcome Lloyd onto the field
  • A lap of honour with 299 fans (for each goal Lloyd has kicked at Etihad) lining the ground
  • The unveiling of the ‘Lloyd’ end (which will replace the Coventry end for every Bombers home game at Etihad in 2010)
  • A ceremonial 300th goal with a lucky fan standing the mark
  • Lloyd to toss the coin pre-match

Others highlights on the day include:

  • The opportunity to purchase a commemorative Lloyd coin (only 3000 available)
  • Lloyd tribute on the big screen
  • Lloyd SMS scoreboard trivia (prizes to be won)