Jake Lloyd insists it’s not how you find your way onto an AFL list but seizing your chance once you land that matters.

And the once-underrated defender will stamp another mark of high achievement on his career when he runs out for the State of Origin match for bushfire relief on Friday night.

Lloyd was twice denied at the AFL Draft and the Rookie Draft once, before being rookie-listed by the Sydney Swans ahead of season 2013. 

But the former Horsham Football Club junior hit rarefied heights when he became the quickest Swan in history to reach 100 senior games in Round 8, 2018, and was in the bright lights again when he took out the Swans’ 2018 Club Champion award.

He’s now set to represent Victoria in a State of Origin clash with the All Stars at Marvel Stadium, which will see some of the best players in the game unite for the thousands of Australians devastated by the fires.

“I’m honoured to be running out with and playing with and against some of the best players in the country. It doesn’t matter how you get into the system; it’s all about getting that opportunity and making the most of it. Fortunately I’ve been able to do that so far and I’m looking forward to what’s to come on Friday,” Lloyd told SwansTV. 

“I’ve always believed in myself and thought I was capable. You need that belief if you’re going to make it. It doesn’t matter what one or two people may think of you as a person or a footballer; if you strive to get better you’ll make the most of it.”

There’ll be a significant presence of red and white at Friday night’s clash, with Lloyd and Tom Papley in line to pull on a Victoria jumper and Callum Mills set to run out for the All Stars.

Coach John Longmire is also set to lead the All Stars side and assistant coach Dean Cox will join him in the box – and the list of Swans representatives doesn’t end there.

Head doctor Tom Cross, fitness guru Rob Spurrs, head physiotherapist Matt Cameron, senior trainer Josh Elliott, dietitian Elise Anderson and runner Nick Davis have all been rounded up for the first match of its kind in more than a decade.

Victoria faced the Dream Team at the MCG in the AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match in 2008 in celebration of the 150th birthday of Australian rules football.

Lloyd says he’ll relish the opportunity to support those affected by the fires in the next State of Origin edition.

“It’s a privilege to be in this position, to be honest,” Lloyd said.

“To go down to Ulladulla last week and chat to locals who had lost everything was very sad and very touching, and the group of guys that went down there really got a lot out of it.

“We’re just really looking forward to putting on a show for the fans and raising as much money for all of those families and communities affected.”