2003
Lloyd had another magnificent year at full forward, finishing with 93 goals. He would clearly have kicked his third ton had it not been for an injury midway through the season. But it wasn't just Lloyd's goal kicking that featured in 2003. Lloyd stood up as a leader of the club more than ever before, guiding his young teammates and taking on more responsibility. It was never more evident than when he captained the side to victory against West Coast in Round 10. He was superb that night and his teammates followed his lead.
STRENGTHS
Lloyd’s goal kicking has always been a feature of his game, but it was the 25-year-olds marking in 2003 that stole the show. Lloyd added a new dimension to his game with his overhead marking. He was also superb on the lead as well and rarely dropped a mark. Lloyd has improved his upper body strength, which makes him tough to beat in a one on one contest.
POSITION
In previous seasons this was one of the easiest questions to answer – Matthew Lloyd will play at full forward. But at times in 2003 Lloyd drifted forward and played across half-forward. A move that proved successful on a number of occasions. The coaching panel has hinted they would like to see Lloyd play up the ground again this season. Who knows where Lloyd will spend most of his time in 2004, but the one thing for certain is regardless of where Lloyd lines up he will give 100% every week.
2004
Lloyd was in career best form in 2003 and Essendon supporters are hoping the triple Coleman Medallist will carry this form into this year. At just 25-years of age he has a lot of football in front of him and is clearly the premier full forward in the competition. Lloyd is one of the team’s most experienced players now and integral to Essendon’s success.
WHAT SHEEDY SAYS
I would love to see Matthew get up the ground a little more often and have a genuine chance of winning a best and fairest at Essendon one day. That will happen because of tactics eventually. Lloyd has become more of a champion player everytime he runs out there. He has overcome his hand injury earlier on and has been in the vicinity of attacking 100 goals and fans love that. If Matthew Lloyd was playing centre half back, he would probably be the All Australian centre half back or he could be All Australian centre half forward - that is his capacity.
