AFL legend Matthew Lloyd’s secret health battle revealed
Football icon Matthew Lloyd has revealed he was given a shock diagnosis recently after an episode where he lost control of parts of his body.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd has revealed he is recovering from a secret health condition following an episode last month.
The football icon has revealed to The Herald Sun he suffered partial facial paralysis during a scary moment in February which resulted in a surprise diagnosis that he had contracted a rare health condition.
The 43-year-old says he is improving every week.
Lloyd said doctors checked him for a stroke before returning a diagnosis that he had contracted Bell’s Palsy.
He was already aware of the condition because his mother-in-law and former Bombers teammate Adam Ramanauskas also have experience with it.
Stream every match of every round of the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free In-Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >
He said the episode last month left him with half of his face being temporarily unresponsive.
“I had visited my parents and my right eye wouldn’t stop watering,’’ Lloyd said.
“It was about 6pm and I said (to wife) Lisa I’m not feeling too well. I couldn’t control the spitting and I lost control of my mouth and could sense my right side dropped. My smile wasn’t even and my cheekbone wasn’t even.”
He is continuing to recover and says the condition will not stop him from returning to his TV and radio commitments when the AFL season begins on Wednesday night.
“I can’t blink, the eye might shut about 40-50 per cent and it dries out so I have to lubricate the eyes every hour,’’ Lloyd said.
“The most noticeable is laughing as only half my face moves. I made a joke that people pay a lot of money for that with Botox.”
Bell’s palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis that is also called idiopathic facial palsy.
The exact cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown, but it is commonly believed to occur when a weakness occurs to the muscle nerves that control basic facial functions and movement.
In most cases the condition is temporary and is easily treated.
The popular pundit will again feature on The Sunday Footy Show this year.
His scary revelation comes after Bombers cult hero Dean Wallis suffered a major heart attack this week.
The 52-year-old had lifesaving surgery in Bendigo after initially being rushed to hospital in Echuca, where he was working.
Wallis is said to be recovering well and has spoken to concerned former teammates.
Originally published as AFL legend Matthew Lloyd’s secret health battle revealed
Three clubs who could pounce after Blue told to pursue trade
With several clubs looking for midfield depth, Matt Kennedy is set to spark interest from several of Carlton’s rivals. JOSH BARNES names the clubs who could be in the mix.
Sad career news after SANFL star’s horror pub fall
Sam May’s club has revealed what the 24-year-old said to his teammates in an emotional address last week.
‘Remarkable’ young gun setting Lions alight
At just 20 years of age and coming back from an ACL injury, the Brisbane Lions young star set the finals alight last week and earnt high praise from his teammates.
Free trade tracker: Every player linked with your club
Trade requests, the latest rumours and every player linked with your club. Stay across every big AFL trade story and see who could be on the move in our Trade Tracker.
‘Disgrace’: ‘Sore loser’ Hawks torn to shreds
Sam Mitchell had been widely praised for his handling of Friday night’s fiery final — but Hawthorn’s antics have now been branded “pathetic”.
Home, Brew: Top Bee bolts off with VFL’s JJ Liston Trophy
Before the start of the season, a driven Dom Brew told his Werribee coach that he would win the VFL best and fairest, the JJ Liston Trophy. Last night he did exactly that, matching a famous name with his bumper vote tally.