BLAST FROM THE PAST
MATTHEW LLOYD - MCU
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Once again this year we are running the popular feature Blast from the Past. We will endeavour to cover as vast a cross section as possible across the Riverina and we trust that you find it interesting reading. This week we go over the career of a very talented player who played with MCU for a couple of years before being drafted by Sydney Swans. Today we Blast Matt Lloyd.
Name:
Matt Lloyd
Details of Playing / Coaching Career:
1975 - 1983: MCU FC - Under 10's to Seniors. Played in 1983 Senior losing GF side v Nth Wagga
1984 - 1991: Sydney Swans - 22 Senior games & approx. 100 reserve grade games
1992: Sydney University AFC - Player & Assistant coach to Rod Carter
1993: Sydney University AFC - Captain Coach
1995: Old Xaverians AFC, Victorian Amateur Football Assoc. - Player
Awards / Medals Received:
1981: Under 19's Farrer League Premiership v's Wagga Tigers
1982: Under 19's Farrer League Premiership v's South Wagga Tolland
1982: Farrer League, Under 19 Leading Goal kicker and Best & Fairest Medals
1986: Sydney Swans Reserve Grade Best & Fairest
1987: Sydney Swans Reserve Grade Best & Fairest Runner Up
1992: Premiers, Sydney University AFC, Sydney Football League
1992: Sydney Football League, Podbury Medal (Best on Ground in Grand Final)
1992: Best NSW player, NSW v QLD (Residents i.e. non AFL players)
Favourite Playing Position:
Wing, half forward, half back
Most Respected Opponents:
The Carlton & Hawthorn sides of the mid to late eighties were strong in both senior and reserve grades. It was not uncommon to play a reserve grade match against these teams and they would have up to a dozen Premiership players trying to force their way back into the senior side. In those days the senior list at an AFL club was 52 players, so the depth was enormous. Today, AFL lists are only 38 players, so the depth is not there.
Best Player Seen:
Outside the AFL: Stephen Cole (MCU) & Laurie Pendrick (Nth Wagga)
In the AFL: Greg Williams
AFL Club I Follow:
Sydney Swans
Current Occupation: Travel & Distribution Manager, Stella Resorts Group.
Where do you see local AFL heading in the future?
I can't comment on AFL in the Riverina, but in South East Qld, the game is growing at a rapid rate with junior participation going through the roof. I believe there will be an AFL team based on the Gold Coast within 7 years (probably the Kangaroos).
Matty Lloyd was a product of the famous MCU Football Club but unfortunately for them only played one season of senior footy with them. His obvious talent was noted by the Sydney Swans recruiting committee and he moved to Sydney to play for the Swans in 1984. Prior to his move to the VFL he certainly carved out sensational reputation for himself with Mango in the Farrer League. He was part of two U19's premierships plus winning the goalkicking and Bance Medal (U19's B.&F.) His first and only year of senior footy saw him play in the losing 1st Grade Grand Final with Mango. Matty had exceptional skills on either side of his body and he was indeed a pleasure to watch. He had the happy knack of being in the right place at the right time and loved to kick a few goals. He had 8 seasons with the Swans and had personal success with them winning a Reserve Grade B.& F. During that time he played some 22 senior games and over 100 reserve grade games. Footy after the Swans continued and he became involved with Sydney Uni in the SFL comp. He was initially assistant coach to Rod Carter and the year later assumed the coaching role. He won a premiership and best on ground in that flag in 1992 with them. He eventually retired after a year with Old Xaverians in the Victorian Amateur Association. Those who remember Matty playing for Mango can verify that he was a tremendous young, locally bred talent, that made it to the big time. Matty know works with former Swans ruckman, Tony Smith, in the travel industry on the Gold Coast. He doesn't get home that often now but I hope that you enjoyed his Blast from the Past.