The 20-year-old, who will celebrate his 21st birthday the day after the Swans’ preliminary final clash, has put his hand up to play in next Friday night’s match after collecting 24 possessions, four tackles and four inside-50s against the Dockers.
Speaking to SwansTV after Saturday’s win, Lloyd said he kept things simple in his first final and was pleased to be able to play his role in the team’s victory.
“I was really excited when I found out who was playing on Thursday and I was really looking forward to it, so it was great to get the win,” Lloyd said.
“I just wanted to play basic football and do what I’ve been doing.
“All I can do each week is play my role and I’m not too fussed about the possessions and stuff like that.
“I just want to play my role, whether it’s half-forward or wing, and if I can continue to do that, I’ll get a game the following week.”
Lloyd said he benefitted from playing alongside the likes of Luke Parker (32 disposals, two tackles), Dan Hannebery (27 possessions, four tackles) and Jarrad McVeigh (19 possessions, five tackles, five one-per-centers) in Saturday’s win, and said McVeigh’s performance on the half-back line was inspiring.
“(The senior mids) are in fantastic form and really stood up today,” he said.
“Macca was another one, he’s a leader of the club, and he really stands up and does big acts and has a big influence on the game, which is fantastic.”
Saturday afternoon’s victory saw the Swans advance to a home preliminary final, against the winner of the semi-final clash between Geelong and North Melbourne, which will be played in Melbourne on Friday night.
Lloyd, who has played the last 19 consecutive games after making his debut in round five this season, said playing finals was definitely a step up in intensity, but said he felt he was up to the challenge and was ready to play in next week’s do-or-die clash.
“It was obviously very tough out there and the intensity certainly stepped up,” he said.
“It’s certainly quick, and you can’t really just dwell in footy, you’ve got to get that first ball off and I thought I was able to do that when I got it.
“It certainly stepped up again, but it was fantastic to be out there.
“Now we’ve got two weeks off, so I’ll rest the body up a bit and hopefully train well and get a game in the prelim.”
