Playing finals football is something every AFL player undoubtedly aspires to do.
And the thought is certainly in the back of Sam Lloyd’s mind, as the Western Bulldogs push for a spot in September.
A win this week against the Adelaide Crows in Ballarat will secure a top eight berth for the Bulldogs.
But for all the noise about a push for finals, Lloyd said the team is fully focused on the Crows – who remain in contention themselves in they can overcome the Bulldogs.
“We need to get the job done first,” Lloyd said.
“Adelaide are capable of playing really good football, and they’ve shown that this year.
“If we look too far ahead it can be dangerous, so I’ll be looking to put in a performance where I can help the team and help the forward line, and hopefully help us get to the finals.”
Lloyd has made a significant impact in his first year in red, white and blue, slotting 35 goals from 21 games after being secured in a trade from Richmond at the end of 2018.
The Tigers played finals in four of Lloyd’s five seasons – but he’s yet to have a taste of September.
“I just want to be there,” Lloyd told SEN Time On this week.
“You play football to play finals football, that’s what everyone dreams of.
“That old cliché – one week at a time – gets brought up quite a lot, and which we’ve been focusing on.
“But now it is that week of round 23 and we need to win this game potentially to get to finals.
“It’s hard not to think about it.”
The Bulldogs have been an improved side since the bye – entering with a 4-7 record, and winning seven of 10 games in the run home.
