Sam Lloyd will enter the 2017 season in a confident frame of mind after what he was able to achieve at the game’s highest level last year.
The talented Richmond forward had a breakout season in 2016, playing all 22 of the Tigers’ games and kicking 35 goals, to finish second (behind Jack Riewoldt) on the Club’s goalkicking list.
He was a bright light across the forward line in an overall bleak season for Richmond, and is determined to build on the impressive gains he made, to have an even more significant impact within the Tigers’ line-up this year.
“I certainly came into this pre-season feeling a lot fitter, ready to go, and knowing what to expect,” Lloyd said on RSN.
“I have felt a lot more comfortable. It probably helps with a good feeling around the Club as well.
“I’m pretty excited to, hopefully, get some games in the JLT (pre-season) series, and then see what happens. Hopefully, really develop my game and see what I can do.”
Lloyd, who turns 27 next month, has his sights set on pinch-hitting through Richmond’s midfield in season 2017, to provide the key Tiger on-ballers with a chop out.
“With the game now, you can’t sit in one position and stay there the whole year. You’ve got to be a bit diverse and be thrown around to a new position, because it’s such a running game,” he said.
“I’ve been working closely with (midfield stoppage coach) Andrew McQualter, and blokes like ‘Dusty’ (Dustin Martin) and ‘Cotch’ (Trent Cotchin), to get a bit of stoppage time.
“I’ve developed the tank further this year, so, hopefully, I will get a bit of a run in there and give blokes a rest.”
Lloyd outlined the other areas of the game that are a major focus for him in 2017 . . .
“I’ve got to work on my forward pressure, which I continually do, and still kick goals as well,” he said.
“It’s a very important part of the game, kicking goals. If you don’t kick goals, you don’t win.
“So it’s a combination of the forward-50 pressure, kicking those goals, and getting in the midfield here and there. And contributing, not just being in there.
“Hopefully, that can all come together and work for me.”
