Jake Lloyd wins Bob Skilton Medal for Sydney Swans 2018 best-and-fairest
JAKE Lloyd has continued his rise to the elite ranks of the AFL, taking out the Bob Skilton Medal two weeks after putting pen to paper on a new four-year contract.
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JAKE Lloyd has continued his rise to the elite ranks of the AFL, taking out the Bob Skilton Medal two weeks after putting pen to paper on a new contract.
The Swans will be happy he’s wrapped up for another four years after he won comfortably by 23 votes (540) ahead of last year’s leading vote-getter Luke Parker (517) and Lance Franklin, who finished third (510).
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The 25-year-old came to the Swans via the 2013 rookie draft and has slotted in perfectly, playing 115 games mostly in defence, missing just three matches in his five years at the SCG.
Lloyd played his 100th senior game in Sydney’s Round 8 win over Hawthorn at the MCG.
“From the moment Jake arrived at the club he instantly impressed all of us with his work ethic and his eagerness to learn and make the most of his opportunity,” Swans coach John Longmire said.
“He’s become an integral part of our team and an emerging leader of our back six. It’s a terrific achievement to be crowned club champion and a great reward for the commitment and work he’s put in.”
Lloyd played all 23 games in 2018 and averaged 28 disposals, seven marks and six rebound-50s. He was also selected in the 40-man All-Australian squad for the first time in his career.
As well as finishing in the top three for the second year in a row Franklin also won the Players’ Player Award. His effort in playing the entire season with foot and knee injuries was remarkable. Along the way he kicked his 900th career goal, his 300th as a Swan and passed Peter McKenna and Leigh Matthews to become eighth on the list of all-time leading goalkickers.
He was also named in the All-Australian team for the eighth time and named it’s captain for the first.
Callum Sinclair won the most improved player award, Ollie Florent the rising star, Harry Cunningham the best clubman and Penelope Moles the John Yates Community Award.
TOP 10
Jake Lloyd — 540 votes
Luke Parker — 517 votes
Lance Franklin — 510 votes
Isaac Heeney — 463 votes
Josh Kennedy — 435 votes
Dane Rampe — 433 votes
George Hewett — 430 votes
Jarrad McVeigh — 353 votes
Callum Sinclair — 351 votes
Harry Cunningham — 331 votes
Originally published as Jake Lloyd wins Bob Skilton Medal for Sydney Swans 2018 best-and-fairest
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