Having turned 31-years-old yesterday, Essendon captain Matthew Lloyd fronted a packed media conference today to say that milestones no longer matter and he deeply wants the club to get back that winning feeling.

Needing just four goals to reach the magical 900 mark, he said he would rather win the game.

""If I kicked four goals and we lost it would be a pretty hollow experience,"" he said.

""It is something I will look back on but all I am focused on now is helping this young group.
 
""I played in a Premiership when I was 21 and I would give it back to play in one when I am 31 because it would mean so much more. In my first 11 seasons here we played in nine finals and we seem to have lost that and we need to get it back.""
 
 
Lloyd said he no longer feels restricted bythe hamstring injury he sustained in 2006 but regrets missing that year.
 
""I missed a year of footy in my prime, about 28-years old, but in saying that if you play 15-years of football you are going to get a serious injury.""

To watch O'Donnell discuss the team on Best 22 click here

In a wide ranging interview Lloyd said he expects to play at least one more year, announced he would like to become a specialist forwards coach when he retires, admitted good forwards seemed harder to find now-a-days and rated Dustin Fletcher equal with James Hird as the best footballer he has played with.

Meanwhile, O'Donnell explained the emotional outburst by the coaching staff after Essendon's thrilling win against Carlton.

""We were under a lot of pressure in that last five minutes and I think the fans would have liked to see that sort of emotion,"" he said.

""All clubs are under pressure to get wins early in the season and that was a great win for the club.""