Lloyd worked very hard on his strength during the 2001 pre-season and it paid dividends. He looked stronger than ever before and took some sensational marks in pack situations simply because of his increased bulk. Sometimes increased bulk can come at the expense of agility but Lloyd got the balance right - he was still dangerous at ground level.
A feature of Lloyd's game last season was his accuracy in front of goals. He kicked 105.36 - an excellent return. Tony Lockett believes two goals for every behind is a good return - it puts Lloyd's accuracy into perspective. He kicked almost three goals for every behind. Lloyd also worked hard on his tackling in 2001, laying 23 and working hard to keep the ball inside Essendon's attacking 50m.
Lloyd's goal-kicking feats are even more remarkable when you consider he spends of lot of time away from the goalsquare and across the half forward line. It also means Lloyd gets plenty of the football. He averaged about 15 possessions per game last season. Lloyd was the Bombers' leader in terms of general marks and contested marks and was fourth in short kicks.
Lloyd again looks super fit as season 2002 approaches and he will need to be. With two bags of 100 goals in consecutive seasons he will again get plenty of attention from opposition defenders. He has handled in the past and there is no reason to think he won't do it again.
How will he be used on match day?
He will spend the majority of the season in and around the goalsquare in front of goal for the Bombers. The coaching panel have opted to rotate players through the goalsquare at times and as a result Lloyd will also find himself across half forward during the season.
What will the coaches expect on match day?
They will simply want Llloyd to be Lloyd - the focal point in attack, a marking option and an excellent kick for goal. They will want his attack on the football to be fierce and for defenders to know he is about. They will also want him to ensure there is never an easy clearance from the defensive 50m.
