Lloyd hoping for new deal as youth makes its pitchAFL.com.au
15 July 2016RICHMOND forward Sam Lloyd is confident he will sign a new contract soon as pressure mounts on established Tigers to hold their spots in the final seven rounds of the season.
Lloyd, who has kicked 26 goals in 15 games in 2016, has enjoyed his most consistent year but remains out of contract alongside up to a dozen teammates.
The 26-year-old joined the Tigers as a mature-age rookie at the end of 2013 and looks likely to continue into 2017, with early talks underway.
"I'm sure something will get done soon," Lloyd said on Friday.
"There's been a bit of talk. It's something I'll let my manager handle more, I've just got to keep playing good footy.
"It's probably been my most consistent season … I've focused on having that average of two goals a game, (and) try and get a few more but it doesn't always happen.
"I've just got to keep working on that consistency of my pressure and that'll keep me in the side."
With Richmond's young players generating energy and excitement in last week's 10-point loss to the Western Bulldogs, regular senior players are under pressure at Punt Road Oval.
Midfielder Reece Conca was dropped this week – rather than a youngster – to make way for Shaun Grigg, in a sign that youth will be the match committee's priority.
Conca is one of a dozen out of contract Tigers, on a list that includes Ty Vickery, David Astbury, Ben Griffiths and Kane Lambert.
And with rookies Jason Castagna and Jayden Short looking likely to earn senior contracts for 2017, there will be pressure for list spots.
Lloyd said staying in the team for the final seven rounds was a focus for players.
"I guess there's a little bit of that, but we're all playing for our spots most weeks … if you don't perform, you're out of the side," Lloyd said.
"Personally I've got to play well every week from here on and try and secure my spot.
"Guys in the VFL are starting to put some form up and pushing guys above them.
"I think you've got to go out each week and try your guts out no matter what to stay in the side, and boost your chance of getting a game the week after."
After his strongest pre-season at the club, Lloyd's plan to push further into the midfield hasn't materialised this year.
He was, however, expecting to be trialled in some new roles in the last seven weeks of the season.
"I've sort of been pinch-hitting in the midfield and a minute or two on the wing here and there," he said.
"It's something we might explore in the last few rounds.
"We've got a lot of guys we might throw around from time to time and see what they can do, so I'll just go where they tell me."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-07-15/lloyd-hoping-for-new-deal-as-youth-makes-its-pitch
