News Matthew Lloyd Contract Status - Merged Threads

[essendon2008]

^ Sad story.

Well written however with no evidence. It could all be crap but i feel that this is probably the case. Shame that he doesn't even want to play at another club. I would feel some joy to see him at the Dogs.

 

[dapto]

its hard to believe everything you hear/read. my opinion:

(a) if matthew lloyd is so stubborn.....
(b) i strongly believe knights will be doing the right thing by essendon playing guys such as neagle, hurley and gumbleton out of full-foward next year along with lloyd and even hille/ryder on occasions. .....
(c) an ageing lloyd on the decline pace wise permanently at full-forward could be to the detriment of essendon's performance. ........
(d) lloyd has shown on multiple occasions he is capable of playing up the ground and playing that role well. .......so i see no problem with knights asking lloyd to be flexible, as any squad member should be, on what position they play.

Some edits to efcboy's post above should be obviously recognised '...'

As such
(a) please explain where Lloyd has been 'so stubborn'. you must know something I do not form here. Or has and your ulterior prefernces for the team just become a little apparent in the phrasing????

(b) your strong belief is noted and the argument again tilted. When, I might ask, did anyone suggest that if the names you suggest mature radically that Lloyd would suddenly be in the way. We have not had one year when any young recuit was so bankable as a good 50+ goals from ML. Nor is there a reality if ML wasn't up to the team he wouldn't just retire his role or diminish his gametime.

The arguement Lloyd is going to hold us back is felicious for the anti lobby in the most polite way I can suggest and the most stupid way in every other respect.

(c) this is just dull. If Lloyd doesn't warrant a spot he doesnt get a game. And how is (b) different form (c)?

(d) He hasn't really. He will play better off the bench into the forward pocket/full forward slot than 5 metres behind the ball

 

[AndyLesPaul]

This is really shitty news

Lloyd is more than capable to play as FF and dominate, we can really blame Neagle's lack of a tank for this (this being, lloyd not playing FF).
If Neagle doesn't step up, this whole thing would be a massive waste, and I will probably lose faith in Knights.

 

[Synth]

For all those saying he should stay and play FF. Why?

He's not bigger then the club and the club need to look further into the future then a year because thats all he's going to play if he stays on.

I love Lloyd as much as the next bomber but lets face the music. His form isn't what it used to be.

Personally I hope he stays and plays HF but thats looking very unlikely now.

 

[TheDon35]

You would be hard pressed to find a bigger M.Lloyd fan than me but this is dragging on too long and is at the ridiculous stage.

Jesus...

On behalf of everyone here including Matthew Lloyd i'd like to apologise for him not reaching a decision sooner.

The blokes kicked about 920 goals, is one of the greatest players the clubs ever had, is the captain of the club, has got a dumb arse, fence sitting coach who won't put his neck out either way, and less than a week and a half after the season finished for the bombers, is still thinking about his playing future.

I'd also like to apologise to Greg Denham who last week, 6 days after the end of the season was disgusted with him that it had dragged out so long.

Whether Lloyd decides last week, today, next week or next month doesn't impact on anything. It's irrelevant.

P.S, maybe he's taking his time because he doesn't quite understand where he sits with his coach.

 

[AndyLesPaul]

For all those saying he should stay and play FF. Why?
Because, he is probably our most capable Full Forward as of current. The only reason Neagle is playing Full Forward, is to be developed, why not trial him in the CHF?

He's not bigger then the club and the club need to look further into the future then a year because thats all he's going to play if he stays on.
I'd say Lloyd in Full Forward would be one of the best possible options, because then Neagle would know he has to get fitter, and obvious build a tank in order to play CHF.

I love Lloyd as much as the next bomber but lets face the music. His form isn't what it used to be.
He hasn't been playing Full Forward. And the times he has, well, he's dominated.

Personally I hope he stays and plays HF but thats looking very unlikely now.

I do not want Lloyd to retire.

 

[~RFM~]

I think it's a shame a compromise couldn't be reached. Such as Knights guaranteeing Lloyd a minimum number of games at FF and then form dependent. So if he doesn't deliver he goes to another position or is rested.

I do see Knights dilemma, but at the same time, part of the learning experience for the upcoming forwards is surely game time with someone like Lloyd.

It's not looking good though...and I'm feeling pretty crap about the prospect of no Lloydy . As an important part of the EFC how damaging will his retirement be in the immediate future?

 

[AndyLesPaul]

We could see weeks of a very undamaging forwardline without him.

Unless there are changes to warrant Lloydy's retirement.

 

[daffo]

I think this whole 'playing out of position' has been smoke and mirrors from Knights.

1) Knights doesn't want Lloyd to play and has told him this
2) Lloyd wants to play on but doesn't have the confidence in Knights now
3) Knights puts up the out of position line to force Lloyd out.

 

[BrunoV]

Some edits to efcboy's post above should be obviously recognised '...'

As such
(a) please explain where Lloyd has been 'so stubborn'. you must know something I do not form here. Or has and your ulterior prefernces for the team just become a little apparent in the phrasing????

(b) your strong belief is noted and the argument again tilted. When, I might ask, did anyone suggest that if the names you suggest mature radically that Lloyd would suddenly be in the way. We have not had one year when any young recuit was so bankable as a good 50+ goals from ML. Nor is there a reality if ML wasn't up to the team he wouldn't just retire his role or diminish his gametime.

The arguement Lloyd is going to hold us back is felicious for the anti lobby in the most polite way I can suggest and the most stupid way in every other respect.

(c) this is just dull. If Lloyd doesn't warrant a spot he doesnt get a game. And how is (b) different form (c)?

(d) He hasn't really. He will play better off the bench into the forward pocket/full forward slot than 5 metres behind the ball

Seems to me that you are having this argument with yourself dapto. efcboy is not saying anything that Knights himself isn't so I don't know why you are attacking efcboy.


In (a) efcboy is clearly addressing speculation that exists. Whether you like or agree with the accuracy of the speculation.

(b) This is what Knights is actually doing. If Knights thought that Lloyd playing at full forward was the best option we wouldn't be having this argument.

(c) Lloyd is trying to body players rather than beat them on the lead. He is not as dynamic as he once was and there is little to suggest that he can dominate from the square again. He has, however, been good up aroung half forward providing a level head and leadership when we have needed it.

(d) I have said it many times, Lloyds best games have always been as a trus CHF, rather than the full forwad. See games against Port (a few years ago - the Cornes tackle) and Carlton (more recently) as a few obvious examples.


My own view: I am struggling to believe that the same man who has turned Essendon around culturally is being so selfish. There is also a part of me that just doesn't want to believe it. However, the longer this drags on and the less we hear from Lloydy the more I think that the wort is true.

It is not as if Lloyd has been sacked, he was told that he can play football in a different position. How many old players are asked to assume new footballing identities later in life?

The reality is that we need Lloyd plaing as a forward foil and higher half forward. We need his experience guiding Gumby and Neagle as well as his leadership and cool head up the ground. The presence of Lloyd will be enough to panic opponents meaning that less pressure falls on the next geb forwards and Hille who seems more likely to start next year deep.

Personally I would love to see Lloydy taking the ball 75 out, delivering it to our deeper forwards (he still is a beautiful kick of the ball).

The worst part about this whole saga is that the Sheedy supporting faction insists on using thes situations (see Lucas retirement as well) to attack Knights' competence. Why do these people refuse to acknowledge that we were on our knees at the end of Sheedy's reign (of terror ) with no obvious replacements for the long line of experienced players that we had already lost, have lost since and are going to continue to loose?

******* Bartlett lets these morons on the radio making sweeping statements like "Knights is in trouble" and "Knights will destroy this club". Essendon seems to be the only club that views blooding the next generation of stars and taking a stand against individuals vs the team as destroying the club.

 

[The Exorcist]

Lloyd's been an awesome player, especially in those games you play against Carlton (remember he kicked 4 against SOS once in a final). And that bump on Sewell 2 weeks back that helped you into the finals was brilliant

Be great if he stayed on - he's a legend - but if it's true that Lloyd's signing depends upon him playing in a specific position I don't know what else Knight's could do?

Hawks didn't sign Wallace many years ago because he wanted put into his contract that he wanted to play centre. On the other hand Melbourne signed White with a clause that he play every game, and look where Melbourne are and look at White's career at Melbourne

It's that "team" over "individual" thing

Let's say Knights agrees to play Lloyd as FF at all times and Lloyd has a poor 2010? Knights will cope it right, left and centre from the media and the football public for having agreed to the demand AND not developing a youngster.

Knights' job is to develop a Essendon premiership and that won't happen if a player has a contractual right to play a specific position regardless of form etc

Be great if Lloyd plays on, but it should be based on form and the long term development of the Bombers.

 

[Super Gusto]

(c) Lloyd is trying to body players rather than beat them on the lead. He is not as dynamic as he once was and there is little to suggest that he can dominate from the square again. He has, however, been good up aroung half forward providing a level head and leadership when we have needed it.

Well said Bruno.

Do people really think that leaving lloyd in the square would be such a great move? How would this work for our structure?

Would he be like Fevola at Carlton or alternate with Gumbelton/Neagle like Brown and Bradshaw at Brisbane or Roughhead and Franklin at Hawthorn?

Most of todays power forwards who play deep have 3-4 years on llyod with the exception of Tredrea and Barry Hall. We know how Hall's season ended up and although Tredrea had a reasonable season, it didn;t help Port's cause at all.

Llyods best game for the year was against Carlton in rd 3 playing up the ground. If he were to embrace this position I could see him having a real impact and imo I think this would work best for our team structure.

 

[yodellinhank]

Taking all sentiment out of it, it would make sense to trade Lloyd to the Dogs. He gets to play full forward, might get to the 1000, the Dogs have a real crack at a flag as does Lloyd, and we could get a draft pick or player who will can give us service when we are a realistic chance at a flag ourselves. It may cost us 3-4 games next year but we would be better for it in the long run. Lloyd may only have 18 games + finals left for us, and we may be able to get more value than this for him in a trade.

If Lloyd stays on for another year, we most likely lose him and Fletcher next post season, meaning we will be limited in how much we can swing the axe if players like Jetta, Laycock, Skipworth, NLM, Atkinson, T Slattery etc. need moving on. I don't like the idea of taking 5-6 picks, and in a "compromised" draft.

Changing teams didn't take any of the gloss off Paul Salmon's career, it only enhanced it. I think the same could be done for Lloyd.

A trade of picks would satisfy me. We give Lloyd + pick 26, they give us pick 14-17. Gives us picks 10,(14-17),42. Delist Nash and Williams.
Otherwise pick 30-33 in a straight swap, giving us 10, 26 + 33. Same De listings.

 

[Jesse Custer]

Lloyd's been an awesome player, especially in those games you play against Carlton (remember he kicked 4 against SOS once in a final). And that bump on Sewell 2 weeks back that helped you into the finals was brilliant

Be great if he stayed on - he's a legend - but if it's true that Lloyd's signing depends upon him playing in a specific position I don't know what else Knight's could do?

Hawks didn't sign Wallace many years ago because he wanted put into his contract that he wanted to play centre. On the other hand Melbourne signed White with a clause that he play every game, and look where Melbourne are and look at White's career at Melbourne

It's that "team" over "individual" thing

Let's say Knights agrees to play Lloyd as FF at all times and Lloyd has a poor 2010? Knights will cope it right, left and centre from the media and the football public for having agreed to the demand AND not developing a youngster.

Knights' job is to develop a Essendon premiership and that won't happen if a player has a contractual right to play a specific position regardless of form etc

Be great if Lloyd plays on, but it should be based on form and the long term development of the Bombers.

Totally agree with everything in this post, you echo my thoughts.

Well done.

 

[SMOO]

I sincerley hope that Matty plays on, whether it be at the bombers or elsewhere. Mainly because I would hate to hear that monotone, drab, boring voice doing special comments.

 

[hird+lloyd=legends]

Geez if he doesnt stay at Essendon i hope the doggies get him, he will be able to play full forward and help them with there tall forward problem and he will be able to get the big 1000 goals that he deserves.

 

[windyhill]

I sincerley hope that Matty plays on, whether it be at the bombers or elsewhere. Mainly because I would hate to hear that monotone, drab, boring voice doing special comments.

Which is why the footballing public rejoiced when silvagni went from the comm box back to club land.

 

[abers47]

Well it seems like that's what Knights wants to give Neagle....

I really don't know what to think about all of this. Obviously I'm not in the inner sanctum of the club, but from the outside it appears to be getting rather ugly and I grow less confident of him being a Bomber next year by the day

I don't think Neagle is being given any guarantees, but is that is his preferred position.

 

[Yaaablett]

Agree with plenty thats been said. He has been a superstar almost since his first game. I have some serious doubts about him. He shouldn't have said the things he did regarding Sheeds and now he is putting enormous pressure on Knights and the football club.

As captain he should be the prime example of unselfishness and commitment to the club. He is the one that championed the player conduct rules (which he should be congratulated for) and now he looks like a selfish, egotistical tool.

His attitude is basically if he cant play the role he wants- he won't play. What example does that set for the young players at Essendon?

Knights should say- here is what I want you to do in our side next year and if you're not commited and passionate about doing it to the best of your ability- congratulations on a fine career with Essendon but it's time to go.

 

[BrunoV]

Unfortunately (because the situation sucks) that is as good a summary as you will get.

 

[Fraz]

Latest update from the official Essendon site.

I think these are the two most important points.

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=7035

Lloyd requests more time
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Craig Rowston for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton has confirmed that champion veteran Bomber Matthew Lloyd has a one-year contract offer from the club on the table.

Hamilton flatly rejected media speculation that Lloyd could be traded and also denied reports that Lloyd had demanded to be played at full-forward in 2010 saying that was "simply not correct".

Hopefully that last quote will shut up the people that have been calling Lloyd selfish.

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=7035

 

[SMOO]

Which is why the footballing public rejoiced when silvagni went from the comm box back to club land.

Touche. And wholeheartedly agree

 

[ant555]

Has officially been offered a one year contrct. Ball is now in his court.
Maybe he is weighing up the fact that he can earn more in the media yet spend more time with his young family compared to what playing another year will offer him.

 

[Lance Uppercut]

Has officially been offered a one year contrct. Ball is now in his court.
Maybe he is weighing up the fact that he can earn more in the media yet spend more time with his young family compared to what playing another year will offer him.

possibly. But if he is, he's an idiot, frankly. You're a long time retired. The media will still be there. You have to live your life to the fullest, roll the dice.

Play again Lloydy. You don't owe it to the supporters, or the club. You owe it to yourself

 

[DaSawx]

C'mon Lloydy, just take it, play your guts out and leave a legend.

Richo nearly won a Brownlow playing a similar role, no reason you can't do the same.

We saw you in the second half of '08, leading hard up the ground, tackling everyone in sight on the wing, that's what we NEED from you buddy,