Sydney star Jake Lloyd is in no rush to sign a new deal with the Swans
THE Sydney Swans face an increasingly tough task to hold on to Jake Lloyd, whose stellar form is likely to push his salary well over the $500,000 a year mark in the coming seasons.
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THE Sydney Swans face an increasingly tough task to hold on to Jake Lloyd, whose stellar form is likely to push his salary well over the $500,000 a year mark in the coming seasons.
The 24-year-old, who chalks up his 100th game against Hawthorn on Friday, is off contract at the end of the year.
Such was Lloyd’s rise last year he tied with Lance Franklin for runner up in the Bob Skilton Medal (Swans best and fairest) narrowly behind Luke Parker.
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This season the skilful midfield/defender is the Swans’ second best possession getter (24.0) behind Josh Kennedy (25.0), their No. 1 in metres gained (3,125m) and third in marks (6.1 per game).
It’s a set of numbers which is likely to push his salary well over the $500,000 per year mark in the coming seasons.
“I’m in no rush (to get a new deal done) I’m focusing on my footy,” Lloyd told the Daily Telegraph.
“If I keep playing good footy it will sort itself out. My manager Alex McDonald has had a chat to the club and we will take things as they go.”
Standing on the stage alongside Franklin at the best and fairest night was a massive boost of confidence for Lloyd who is determined to produce consistently at the highest level.
“I did it for a full year and I know I’m capable of doing it each week,” Lloyd said.
“I have to bring it each week, that’s my role for the side. I’m confident every time I run out I’m capable of doing it.”
The 100-game milestone isn’t a big thing in Lloyd’s mind, he just wants a win over the arch enemy to remember it by. But Alistair Clarkson’s team has won their last three against Sydney and nine of their last 12 since the 2012 grand final.
“They have had it over us in the last few but each game is different,” Lloyd said.
“This game will be different to those because it’s very likely to be wet. They are in good form and it’s a great test for us on the big stage on Friday night. We are looking forward to the challenge and, after a disappointing loss, we want to play some good footy.”
In the past the Hawks have used a high possession game to blunt their effectiveness at the stoppages. North Melbourne employed the same tactic to good effect last week at the SCG, Lloyd says the Swans know it’s coming and just have to switch on faster.
“It comes down to everyone being on the same page as a group,” Lloyd said.
“We were too far off our men and allowed easy lead ups and we weren’t working together. After quarter time we got on top of that. We took too long to realise what they were doing and once everyone got on board we sorted it out.”
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