Consistency has been the key for Swans defender Jake Lloyd, who has claimed his second Bob Skilton Medal as the Sydney Swans Club Champion.
Lloyd finished on 421 votes, 64 ahead of co-captain Luke Parker, while forward Tom Papley finished third.
Dane Rampe finished in fourth place, despite missing the last six games of the season, while Harry Cunningham rounded out the top five.
Season 2020 saw Lloyd top the stats sheets with an average of 25.8 disposals per game, 4.8 marks and 5.7 rebound 50s. He finished first in total kicks across the competition, second in rebound 50s and third in the league for total disposals.
The 27-year-old played in all 17 of Sydney’s games this season, including his 150th AFL game in Round 14 at Adelaide Oval.
Originally from Horsham in Western Victoria, Lloyd joined the Swans through the 2013 Rookie Draft and soon made his mark, becoming the quickest Swan in history to reach 100 AFL games. He won his first Bob Skilton Medal in 2018, after finishing runner up in the award in 2017.
Swans Legend Bob Skilton passed on his congratulations, describing Lloyd as: “Very skilful and very composed – one of the most consistent players a club could wish to have.”
Lloyd said he feels honoured to be named Club Champion.
“It means a lot,” Lloyd said. “It’s something I pride myself on – my consistency – and it’s incredible to think that I have been standing up here a couple of times now.
“I’m forever grateful to the Sydney Swans for giving me the opportunity at the end of 2012 and I just wanted to make the most of it.”
Lloyd credited his family with providing the foundations for him to succeed at the highest level, in particular his father, who helped him through training during the AFL industry stoppage.
“My family means everything to me and they’re my number one supporters every week,” he said.
“I know this year, especially, it has been extremely difficult for a lot of families and a lot of people in Victoria. But the support they have shown me over the years, and what Dad did over the break to allow me to come back in peak fitness and really give this season a shake up, is something I’m extremely grateful for.”
Lloyd thanked Sydney Swans fans for their support throughout the season and said he is excited about where the team is headed.
The finishing order for the 2020 Bob Skilton Medal is as follows:
1. Jake Lloyd (421 points) Bob Skilton Medal
2. Luke Parker (357 points) Adam Goodes Trophy
3. Tom Papley (341 points) Peter Bedford Trophy
4. Dane Rampe (221 points)
5. Harry Cunningham (211 points)
6. Callum Mills (203 points)
7. James Rowbottom (198 points)
8. Josh Kennedy (195 points)
9. Jordan Dawson (182 points)
10. Oliver Florent (177 points)
Note: Club Champion votes are awarded by Sydney Swans coaching staff. A player can be awarded a maximum of 50 votes per game, and coaches can allocate up to 10 points for as many or as few players as they deem appropriate, per match.
Other Awards
Rising Star: Justin McInerney
Justin McInerney ran out for nine games this season, in just his second year at the club. The speedy Swan earned a Rising Star nomination in Round 15 after collecting 14 disposals and booting two goals in Sydney’s win over Melbourne at Cazaly’s Stadium.
Most Improved: James Rowbottom
Second-year player James Rowbottom played 16 of the possible 17 games this season, showing plenty of promise in Sydney’s midfield. The 20-year-old tackling machine is hard at the ball and can be relied on at the stoppages.
Player’s Player Award: Luke Parker
Luke Parker took his leadership to the next level in 2020, setting the example for his young side through grit, hard work and determination. He has been recognised by his peers in this player-voted award.
Best Clubman Award: Josh Kennedy
Josh Kennedy was recognised for his contribution on and off the field with the Best Clubman Award. A player who upholds club values and the spirit of the Bloods, Kennedy has been consistent at the highest level for more than a decade.
