Richmond vice-captain and star playmaker Brett Deledio has paid a glowing tribute to clever Tiger small forward Sam Lloyd for his consistency of performance throughout season 2016.

Lloyd is one of the success stories of an overall disappointing year for the Tigers, having kicked 25 goals (25.8) in his 14 games so far.

He has scored multiple goals in matches on nine occasions and is averaging 13.5 disposals per game.

“The form of Sammy Lloyd this year, for us, has been something that I’ve been really impressed with,” Deledio said on the ABC’s ‘AFL Grandstand’.

“The kid from ‘Deni’ (Deniliquin) has gone about it the long way via playing in the VFL, and Deniliquin as well.  But (he has) 25 goals this year . . . He kicked two again (v Port last Friday night), when we didn’t have a lot of entries. 

“I’ve just been really impressed by his want to get better and play some good footy this year.”

Deledio revealed that Lloyd’s impressive improvement in 2016 stemmed from his hard work on the training track during the pre-season period.

“It started for him in the off-season.  He said that he’d do four 150s at the end of every running session he had,” Deledio said. 

“That doesn’t sound like a lot, but it’s the discipline to make sure you do that after you run three times a week in our off-season. 

“He did that to a tee and that just set him up to say, well, I’m disciplined enough to do that. 

“And, he’s carried that right through. 

“He does extra boxing sessions, extra weights sessions, and heat-room sessions with Dusty (Dustin Martin) as well. 

“So he’s just turned himself into a complete professional, and he’s reaping the benefits.”