Jake Lloyd has experienced a lot in his 14 years at the Sydney Swans. From on- and off-field highs and lows, to going from a rookie-list player to now one of the most senior and respected players. The 2026 season has given Lloyd a fresh look at the game he loves and the role he plays across the wider club.
In his end-of-season review with Sydney Swans Media, Lloyd reflected on the support he has felt from Swans fans and the growth of the fan base through his time at the club.
From families, couples and individuals who have shared the highs and the lows right throughout his career and beyond, to the youngest and newest fans, who aspire to be the next generation of Swans to run out onto a sold-out SCG.
“It's super special, and I guess being a father now and just seeing the young kids, and the excitement it brings when you run out the race and you give one a little high five or something, they're hanging over the fence a couple of weeks later, it's pretty cool,” Lloyd said.
“Living down around Coogee and just seeing all the Swans merch. 10 years ago, I'm not sure you would have seen two Swans hats floating around down there, but now, every second person's walking around in a Swans cap and it's really exciting for the footy club.”
Lloyd demonstrated no signs of slowing down throughout 2026, averaging 18 disposals per game, 4 marks and kicking a career-high 18 goals.
“It was, I think, a pretty solid season,” Lloyd said.
“I played a bit of a different role this year in terms of going down forward and learning some forward craft off Paps and the like, and it probably took me a few weeks to adjust to that.
“I’m really happy with my ability to get down there and have an impact in that role, and I really enjoyed getting around that forward group and the opportunities too that popped up on the wings throughout the year and being able to go there and sort of settle our midfield was at times was really fun, so another solid year.”
Lloyd, who was awarded AFL Life Membership earlier this season having notched up 300 games at the top level which included home and away matches, official pre-season games and representative duties, will return in 2027 after reaching a trigger in his contract to go into a 15th AFL season.
“I think that last three or four weeks of the season have really given the group a lot of energy going into next year and for me personally, it's another pre-season under the belt for the group and that style of footy in which we sort of only started last year, it's an opportunity to obviously continue to work on that over the summer months, and we played some unreal footy this year,” Lloyd said.
“If we're going to be a little bit more consistent in a few other areas, we're going to be right up there again next year.
“So when you're running those laps at Centennial, you know you've got something to look forward to at the end of it, which is good.”
This off-season, we're bringing you a rapid-fire Podcast series that brings you a review with our Sydney Swans players in 2026.
From reflecting on their favourite moments at the SCG, to lauding teammates who delivered on the biggest stage, and extending heartfelt gratitude for the members and fans and their unwavering support, every episode delivers a unique perspective from the likes of Brodie Grundy, Errol Gulden, Jai Serong, and more.
It's the perfect way to look back at the season that was for 2026, and get excited for what's to come in 2027 and beyond.
