Media hyperbole over Lloyd

Whatever you think of Essendon Captain, Matthew Lloyd, the fevered speculation in the media over his playing future ignores one simple fact: there’s no ‘I’ in ‘team’.

As club Captain and all-time club leading goal kicker, Lloyd is, I think, entitled to some extra consideration, such as immunity from a stint in the VFL and a dignified exit from on-field activity, but anything further has to be seen in the context of the team’s future.

Clarion calls for Lloyd to be played exclusively at full forward comprehensively ignore the future. The opportunity for the likes of Jay Neagle, Scott Gumbleton and Michael Hurley (among others) to benefit from his advice and presence on-field is simply not available if Lloyd plays his customary role.

If Lloyd were demanding guarantees other than immunity from the VFL, he would be placing himself above the team. I’d be very surprised if that were the case.

Update: Not surprisingly to me, the handwringing over the possibility of Lloyd moving to another club turned out to be yet more media wishful thinking masquerading as journalism. We really are ill served by those who claim to keep us informed. If there’s no story, they'll simple make one up to fit their preferred scenario.

Update #2: Lloyd's column in this weekend's Sunday Age effectively puts to bed the notion that Lloyd is consumed by himself. His is clearly an issue of desire and commitment. There can be no doubt that elite AFL in the 21st century requires even more mental application than ever before in the game's history. Lloyd is right to take the time to make sure he has the mental and physical wherewithall to participate in another season. Limited list numbers, salary cap and the club's future don't allow the luxury of carrying a favoured son for sentimental reasons.