A familiar face made his first visit to the True Value Solar Centre on Thursday, as goal kicking great Matthew Lloyd returned to the club to tour the new facilities.

Currently an assistant coach for the AFL-AIS under 18 team, Lloyd watched over 30 of the best junior footballers in the country as they conducted a training session at the True Value Solar Centre.

Speaking to BomberTV, Lloyd said he was blown away by the scope of Essendon’s new home.

“When I first started at Essendon, I thought Windy Hill was a great facility, but by the time I left in 2009, we were probably in the bottom three clubs in regards to what sort of facilities we had,” he said

“I’d heard a lot about the new facility and to see it now, I’m absolutely blown away.”

“A ground the size of Etihad [Stadium], a ground the size of the MCG and this indoor area… it’s absolutely stunning.”

“The indoor facility here is by far the best I’ve ever seen in AFL footy… if you threw in everything together, this [facility] is definitely number one.”

While not quite ready to put the boots back on himself, Lloyd said the facilities would have any draftee happy to come to Essendon.

“All the boys who walked in today, the group of 17-year-olds would be saying they’d be happy to come to Essendon based on what they’ve seen here,” he said.

Lloyd said he was enjoying his role with the Academy but had no desire at the present time to take his coaching ambitions any further.

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