Clever Richmond forward Sam Lloyd looked bang on target for an AFL career-high goal return against Collingwood at the MCG last Saturday, when he had three on the board midway through the opening quarter, as the Tigers seized control of the contest from the outset.
By the time the final siren sounded, to signal a 91-point victory for Richmond, Lloyd still had three goals to his name, notwithstanding the fact he had again been a valuable contributor in the Tigers’ attack right throughout the match (14 disposals, four marks, three inside-50s and four tackles to go with his three goals).
It was the sixth time in just 18 games of league football that Lloyd has booted three goals, and the second against Collingwood.
He finished with three goals in his senior debut versus the Magpies, back in Round 4 of the 2014 season.
WATCH: Lloyd's three in the first quarter over Collingwood
The 25-year-old has scored three goals in each of his past two games (against Gold Coast in Round 20 and Collingwood, Round 21) for a season’s tally so far of 13 from 10 appearances.
“I can’t get over that three mark at the moment, but it was good to get off to a good start,” Lloyd told ‘Roar Vision’ post-game.
“As I said to Ty (Vickery), I took the most dangerous defender after, so he could kick a few.”
Lloyd cited defensive pressure as an area of the game that has been a key focus for him in his bid to establish himself as a permanent member of the Tigers’ line-up.
“I’m always working on that. I worked on it really hard over the pre-season and then during the year,” he said.
“Our pressure and contested ball (work) is something we pride ourselves on at the Club.
“So, I’ve got to be a part of that . . . work hard on that.
“It’s something that’s paying off a little bit, but obviously I’m still working on.”
