In his own words, Essendon captain Matthew Lloyd had one of his better years in 2008 because he fought back from adversity to play, and lead, very well.

 

The fans agreed giving him an excellent rating of 7.79/10 up from 6.44/10 in 2007.
 
At the ripe old age of age of 30 Lloyd found another gear in 2008 and was a hard-running, high-leading forward who stilled kicked 62 goals.

 

Lloyd has now played 252 games since making his debut in 1995 and has kicked 891 career goals.

 

 

2008

 

Games - 21

 

Kicks - 199

 

Handballs - 83

 

Marks - 144

 

Goals - 62

 

Fan’s rating 7.69 /10

 

2007

 

Games - 19

 

Kicks - 214

 

Handballs - 59

 

Marks - 124

 

Goals - 62

 

Fan’s rating 6.44 /10

 

2006

 

Games - 3

 

Kicks - 34

 

Handballs - 17

 

Marks - 23

 

Goals - 13

 

Fan’s rating 5.79/10

 

Here is what some of the fans had to say about Lloyd’s 2008 season:

 

Nicole Watson - Great to see Lloydy pull himself up from the doldrums. A great second half of the season and showed real leadership.

 

Belinda Purves - Great marks and goals that showed us how great our captain really is. We knew he would get Mark of the Year when he jumped up against Melbourne. When we needed him he was there to bring Essendon back up.

 

Connor Hagliassis - Legend. Great goal-kicker.

 

Jan Lovegrove - What a great captain Matthew's been in 08. Loved to watch him grow into the role more this year, and play some outstanding games. Plus mark of the year. Very impressive.

 

Don Carter - Improved later in the season but is on the down slope.

 

Jan Di Pietro - Struggled then came back like a champion. So important for guys like Gumbleton and Neagle to watch the way he plays the game and to strive for his excellence as a leader as well.

 

Nicholas Morrey - Had an awesome second half of the season. Great move by Knighter to get him up the ground and to still kick 62 goals is fantastic.

 

Rachael Lee Hawthorn - Matthew Lloyd played 21 games this year. And he is a great player and a great captain of the club. Hope Matthew has a good season next year in 09 GOOD LUCK MATTY.

 

Tony Chen - Best season in last few years. Good that he is centre half forward as Lucas can ease back in the forwards line deep.

 

Stephen Smith - Great year. Lloydy’s new role up the ground has benefited not only his own personal game, but also the team just as a great captain should. Great season Matty and his placing in the club B&F recognised his great effort.

 

Alok O'Brien - After 3-4 average years at last he got re-inspired and fully fit. I was impressed after calling for his head earlier. Look forward to next year, with the two Scotts on park take some heat off him, maybe he kicks 100 goals again.

 

Ryan Loughnan - One of his best years I would say!

 

Joe Quinlivan - After all these years he’s still got it, still one of the best key forwards in the AFL. Great mark against the Dees to go with a bag of 8.

 

Barney Sneddon - When the going got tough Matthew answered the call. True spirit.

 

Philip Martin - What can you say, a bit slow to start but he turned it around and showed us that he is a worthy captain of this great club, I believe Matthew is capable and would like to see him play more on the ball and rest in the forward line in 2009, also I think another 100 plus goals is possible. Matthew inspires his teammates when he is playing well, Matthew you are a champion and a legend of the game!

 

Jezza Chau - Wow!! I think that Lloydy has had one of his best years as captain for Essendon!! He won Goal the Year last year and now Mark of the Year this year!! Keep up the good work Lloyd!!

 

Jason Stocks - Tough start to the season but like the great man you are, you rebounded extremely well and proved that you are still the man.

 

Ross Penny - Proved what a champion he is after an indifferent start to the season.

 

Tina Saccone - Had a great year, showed great leadership and skill. Well done on the Mark of the Year!

 

William Crouch - I am your biggest fan but I still can’t believe you won Mark of the Year.

 

Ben McKinnon - Great leader, good year. Seems to have recovered from injury now and is back near his best after his arm break a couple of years ago.

 

Dale Caldwell - You got back to your very best this year big fella, I was even great to see you take some hangers like the old times well done.

 

Nathan Savino - Great season Matthew well used up the ground in 2008 but still kicked goals keep playing until you're 40.

 

Nicholas Loschiavo - A great player, leader and captain. Sensational season, started off slowly but showed why he is still one of the best, well done Lloydy!

 

Robert Cleland - 'Gone for all money' early in the season. Re-invented yourself Mathew, and led our team well. You have proven yourself, once again, to be a true champion. Thank you!