John & Robina Smith from Melbourne said: “It is unrealistic and unfair to expect Lloyd to be able to kick a bag of goals this year given the injury to Scotty. Being the only target for us allows other teams to exploit this and double team him. He has the respect of the playing group and that is BIG plus. Having watched games this year he is still having a fair dinkum go.”
Helen Constance from Strathmore says: “Matthew Lloyd is not receiving the quality delivery of the ball into the forward line as in the past & people very quickly forget that he had a very serious injury last year. Let’s not be so quick to bring him down. He deserves more loyalty than that because he always gives 100% for the team & should be respected for his outstanding career & what he continues to contribute to the club as a leader for the new generation of players.”
Tom Carroll from Burleigh Waters says: “Matty Lloyd is an absolute champion. He has provided me with a great deal of excitement over the last 10 years. We also must remember that he will always take a great backman to stop him. You can't stay on top forever!!! Go Lloydy!!!”
Gavin Ford from Victoria says: “Put Lloydy at full forward for Geelong and he would have 50 goals up already. Lloydy is doing ok for the way in which the ball is delivered. Take the Port game Lloydy kicked 5 goals in a game where we were thrashed all night - Not Bad !
Dave from South Yarra says: “He is a proven champion.... averaging 2.6 goals this year. Usually over his career it is 3.6, so he has had a bad start of the year... he will bounce back. He is a true champion and has proven that of his 855 goals!!! Dont write him off at all!!!! All he needs is good support down there and you will see!!! He is a 50-60 goal player, who wouldn’t take that?”
Joe Tullio from Victoria says: “Lloyd would kick more goals if he is left one out in the 50. Give him the whole 50 to himself like they do with Franklin and trust me he would kick more goals.”
Doug Hillier from South Morang says: ""Mathew has no chance of performing as he has in the past with the current game plan. The ball is not delivered to him correctly and he often has two and three defenders contesting the ball when it is kicked in the air in his general direction. We are fortunate to have a player such as Mathew as Club Captain during this period of rebuilding as I am sure a player of lesser ability and character as Mathew would find the experience daunting. I believe with Mathew's strength and experience it would be a benefit to the team to play him up the ground to provide confidence to the younger players and especially in the centre at the bounce of the ball. Leaving Mathew in the goal square is a waste of talent now we are starting to bring in young forwards such as Neagle,Daniher and Gumbleton.""
Darren from WA says: “Helps if you get good delivery and also quick into the 50 so opposition can't flood back. To be honest Lloydy does not get much of either.”
Some fans however feel Lloyd needs to be having more of an impact.
Bryan Gunn from Hobart says: “Lloyd is far too one dimensional - always has been - Lucas is a far better option up front in both the forward line and a leadership role.”
Mark from Ringwood says: ""The expectations are high as they should be. He was a champion in a good team, finishing the hard work further up the field. Now, as captain, he has to do some hard work. What he doesn't do enough of is chasing, tackling and setting the example. Goals come from hard work in a young team, he has to bust some packs and make his presence felt. Come on Lloydy, fire up, get angry, you're the captain of the best footy club in the world.""
Today’s poll questions asks who Essendon should play on Daniel Kerr in tonight’s clash with West Coast at The Dome. Click here to vote and have your say.
