Daniel Lloyd plays 100th game, guaranteeing son Parker could one day become a father-son Giant

The full extent of GWS’ elimination final victory may not be known for years as it ensured a stalwart would reach 100 games and his son would one day be eligible to be drafted as a Giant.

Getting Daniel Lloyd to his 100-game milestone has been front of mind for the Giants in their finals’ charge. Picture: Phil Hillyard

When Giants veteran Daniel Lloyd announced his retirement last month, his teammates were quick to praise the 31-year-old.

Lloyd has forged a remarkable AFL career since being plucked out of the Black Diamond league on NSW’s Central Coast in the 2016 rookie draft.

But the compliments for his time in a Giants’ jumper never came first.

It was always, ‘I hope he plays 100 games so Parker becomes father-son eligible’.

Parker, 10, has become a fixture around GWS training since his dad joined the club.

He has grown up among the group and, naturally, has shown some ability with the Sherrin.

Lloyd with his wife Crystal, and kids Charli and Parker, after announcing his retirement. Picture: Phil Hillyard

But it’s his love for the Giants that has shone through, and it’s why he was front and centre for their team song after their elimination final win over St Kilda.

“He doesn’t voice it too much, but I can see in his eyes that he’s pretty wrapped that he’s got (the eligibility),” Lloyd said.

“My kids have grown up here. I came here and he was only a year and a half and he’s been running around the place for ages.

“Hopefully he can put his head down and work hard, and he’ll be back here in eight or nine years, that’d be pretty cool.”

Lloyd was only on 96 games when he announced his retirement and the Giants were no guarantee of making finals.

But bringing up his century has acted as motivation for the group, equal parts because of Lloyd and Parker. And in the rooms of the MCG following their win over the Saints, it was one of the first things they celebrated.

Mission accomplished 🧡 #HereComeTheGIANTSpic.twitter.com/De8S2ophk0

— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) September 12, 2023

“I didn’t think too much of it a couple of weeks ago when I announced my retirement,” Lloyd said.

“But when I hit that 99 games I was like, ‘Alright, let’s get there’. Walking in the doors on day one, I never thought I’d play 100 games and I’m super proud.

“Finals is the best part of the year and I’m just trying to enjoy every moment I can. I know it’s going to be over in a few weeks so I’m taking it all in. Hopefully, we’ve got a few more weeks to go.”

Coming to the decision has also given Lloyd more freedom on the footy field. He kicked a goal and had 12 touches and four score involvements against St Kilda and is playing the best he has all year.

Lloyd’s two kids were in the middle of the action after their win over St Kilda. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“I definitely think it’s helped my mentality and it‘s taken a bit of a load off my shoulders, and I’m just trying to do everything I can to help the team,” he said.

While the Giants’ finals tilt is still front of mind, he knows that retirement means he can spend even more time helping his 10-year-old protege prepare for a career in the orange and charcoal of his own.

“He and my daughter were really young when I started … they genuinely thought I was playing country footy, they didn’t know,” Lloyd said.

“But it’s been special over the past few years to share these moments with my kids, my wife and all my family. It’s the thing I’m proudest about in my career.

“I’m looking forward to taking a step back. I get weekends back and can coach them in soccer or footy, whatever they want to play.

“But maybe I’ll put him in a training camp for eight years and get him [Draft] ready.”