As captain of one of the AFL’s most respected club’s Essendon, Matthew Lloyd is one of the most recognizable footballers in the country. A prolific goalkicking forward, Lloyd is a three time Coleman Medal winner and has been the Bombers leading goalkicker in 10 of the past 11 years. He is Essendon’s all time leading goalkicker and was key part of the club’s 2000 premiership success. The captain of Essendon since 2006, he was recognised as the 22nd greatest player in the Bombers’ history and named in the club’s Champion of Essendon’s list. Lloyd is fast closing in on his 1000th career goal after more than 250 games for the Bombers. Lloyd says he is a lot more relaxed since the birth of his daughter Jaeda, saying it has put his outstanding career in perspective.

How big an inspiration are the kids to your career?
I think my daughter Jaeda has put my career in perspective, I'm a lot more relaxed and I see so much more to life since I have had my own child. – Matthew Lloyd

On game day, do you like to relax with the kids or do they understand to keep away
from you?
I'm a pretty nervous type on game day so Jaeda has helped me in the last few years to take my mind off things and relax a bit more. – Matthew Lloyd

Besides their birth, obviously, what is your most memorable moment with your kids?
I was sitting on the couch a few months ago, Jaeda walked up to me, gave me a hug and said, " I love you so much Dad." It was a special moment. – Matthew Lloyd

Favourite family holiday?
We take Jaeda to Noosa, we spend the morning by the pool, the afternoon at the beach and go for an ice-cream after dinner, Jaeda loves it as does her Dad. – Matthew Lloyd