Over a decade after he pulled on the red and white jumper for the first time, Swans defender Jake Lloyd is on the cusp of lining up for his 250th game.
The two-time Bob Skilton medallist will become just the 13th player in the club’s history to notch the milestone when Sydney host the Hawks in Opening Round.
He joins great mates and fellow defenders Heath Grundy and Dane Rampe in notching up the milestone from the rookie list.
Lloyd, who hails from Horsham in Victoria, was drafted by Sydney with Pick No. 16 in the 2013 rookie draft and made his AFL debut in Round Five, 2014.
Over his career he has become one of the club's most consistent, reliable and well-respected performers.
Speaking to Sydney Swans Media ahead of the milestone match, Lloyd said the occasion was an opportunity to reflect and thank those who have helped along the journey.
“I’m forever indebted after getting the opportunity to come up here in 2012 and I’ve had some amazing mentors and players to learn off,” Lloyd said.
“It’s an incredible milestone not just for me personally but for my family who has supported me along the way.
“My family and probably my dad- he’s had the biggest impact; he sacrificed a lot of his life in the early days to give me the opportunities.
“I travelled the countryside with him in the back of the old station wagon to get to footy games to give me every chance.
“My family has been amazing support and it’s great that I now get to share these experiences with my little daughter Pia.”
Despite a decorated career, including four Grand Final appearances and two Bob Skilton Medals, the 31-year-old said the relationships he had formed were some of his fondest memories.
“On the field, I’ve had some incredible teammates, one that probably stands out the most is Macca (Jarrad McVeigh),” Lloyd said.
“He was someone I could always lean on and there to give me a bit of feedback here and there, so he had a big impact on my career.
“One game that sticks out was Reg (Heath) Grundy, Nick Smith, Jarrad McVeigh and Kieran Jack’s final game out here on the SCG.
“In the final quarter Jarrad and Kieran snuck forward and kicked a couple of goals and just to see the fans going off and the boys celebrating them, that was one of my favourite memories.”
In another consistent campaign, Lloyd did not miss a game and averaged 19.7 disposals in 2024.
Swans Captain Callum Mills described Lloyd as a consistent team player.
“Lloydy is an unbelievable player, I’ve loved playing with him throughout my whole career,” Mills said.
“He’s such a calm head on the field who gives us great direction, he’s a real team-first player and that’s what we love about him.”
Fellow defender Lewis Melican echoed Mills’ comments and lauded Lloyd’s consistency.
“I lived with him in my first year and he taught me the ropes from the early stages, just how consistent he is week in, week out and what he does for the team.
“He gets on the end of it a lot and gets the ball but what we value from him as a player is just the ability to shut down his man when he’s playing in defence and his two-way run as a winger.”
Sydney takes on Hawthorn at the SCG on Friday at 7.40pm.
