GWS forward Daniel Lloyd is benefiting from some tweaks and tips to build the most productive season of his AFL career.
Lloyd has notched career-high tallies of 15 games and 15 goals and last weekend played his first finals match for the western Sydney club.
He followed up a three-goal haul in the last round game against Gold Coast with two more in the big elimination final victory over Western Bulldogs.
After kicking 4.2 and 11.10 in his first two seasons, Lloyd has booted 15.5 this year.
“There was a couple of tweaks to my routine that I had and it’s been coaches, players giving me tips here and there,” Lloyd told AAP.
“It’s just fine-tuning things and this year I’ve been able to put a lot more through the big sticks.”
Consistent selection this season has been a reward for the late blooming 27-year-old 2016 rookie draft selection, who has never taken anything for granted with such a powerful and talent-stacked list.
“Each game always felt like it could be my last, or I’ve got to do everything I can to stay in this team,” Lloyd said.
“That do-or-die attitude kept me pushing and pushing.”
Primarily a forward, Lloyd has also occasionally been entrusted with other roles this year.
“It’s good getting around the ball, sometimes as a forward you can go five or ten minutes without seeing it,” Lloyd said.
“It’s good to be able to go anywhere on the ground that I’m needed and fill a role wherever.
“‘I played a little bit back against Port Adelaide and I’m just happy being out on the field in whatever role.”
Lloyd’s value is recognised by GWS coach Leon Cameron.
“We just think Lloydy is a role player but he hits the scoreboard as well, so he’s got some tricks that we really like as well,” Cameron said.
A carpenter by trade before signing for GWS, Lloyd, who is under contract until the end of next season, hopes it will be a while before he needs to pick up the tools again.
“They are in the shed. I had them out on Sunday, I was building something in the backyard,” he said.
“They are away for now and hopefully they can stay away for a few more years.”