Sam Lloyd Biography

Sam Lloyd announces his shock retirement from AFL despite having a year to run on his contract.

"I've thought long and hard about this decision over the last few weeks and months, and have come to the realisation that the time is right for me to hang up the boots," Lloyd said.

"I have a chance to pursue some exciting business opportunities outside of the football industry, and I'm keen to take on a different challenge.

"Playing AFL has been an amazing experience, and I'm proud of what I've achieved on the field. My journey wasn't conventional, but I'm just honoured to have played at the highest level."

Sam Lloyd is set for surgery and a stint on the sidelines after breaking his collarbone in the third quarter of the Bulldogs' win over the Swans at the SCG.

Lloyd was pushed by Swans opponent Aliir Aliir after a contest and injured himself while diving and bracing for contact.

Sam Lloyd contracts an illness during his off-season holiday in Machu Picchu.

"I'd recommend the sightseeing over there for anyone, but just don't eat the raw fish," he said.

"I had a parasite, so I was watching Netflix halfway across the world for about five days, but it's all good now – the doc's fixed me up."

Sam Lloyd is traded from Richmond to the Western Bulldogs for pick No.64.

Lloyd joins the Bulldogs on a two-year deal.

Sam Lloyd will be playing for the Western Bulldogs in 2019 according to his manager Robbie D'Orazio.

"He's just one that's probably the unluckiest player in the AFL this year," D'Orazio said.

"He's been the 23rd man most weeks at Richmond, who were obviously on top of the ladder for most of the year."

Sam Lloyd expresses disappointment at missing out on the Tigers' premiership in 2017 and hopes putting his hand up for a midfield role will result in more senior opportunities in 2018.

"I've moved into the midfield this pre-season and although it's a long list of blokes to get in front of, I'm certainly trying to put my (best) foot forward," he said.

"Probably the motivation is to get into a premiership-winning side and as much as we were all a part of it, I wasn't on the ground and playing.

"I thought I was playing as good footy as I ever have in the VFL, but I think we had one injury towards the end of last year and everyone was playing really good footy.

"I was trying to knock down the door and it wouldn't open."

Alex Rance and fellow Tigers Brandon Ellis, Sam Lloyd and Daniel Rioli meet the fastest man in history, Usain Bolt, at the Puma store in Melbourne for a jumper presentation.

Shaun Hampson, 28, and Sam Lloyd, 26, have both signed two-year contract extensions to remain at Richmond until the end of 2018.

"While our overall season has been disappointing, we've been really pleased with the performances of both Sam and Shaun over the course of the season," Tigers general manager of football Dan Richardson said.

"Sam has worked incredibly hard since the start of pre-season to improve his fitness and ensure he has an impact across four quarters, which has been noticeable in games.

"Shaun's had his most consistent year since arriving at Richmond. His ruck work is continuously improving and we've seen him having more of an impact around the ground as well.

"We're looking forward to both Sam and Shaun building on the progress they've made this season and taking their game to another level next season."

Sam Lloyd, who has kicked 26 goals in 15 games, has enjoyed his most consistent year for the Tigers in 2016.

"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," Lloyd said.

"I've just got to keep working on that consistency of my pressure and that'll keep me in the side."

Sam Lloyd kicks a goal in the dying seconds to give the Tigers a thrilling one-point win over Sydney.

As soon as Lloyd kicked the ball his mind went into celebration mode.

"To be honest, I thought 'This is going in,' straight off the boot," Lloyd said.

"I hit it pretty sweetly."

Sam Lloyd says being dropped from Richmond's side on the eve of last year's finals series has inspired him to work harder this pre-season.

"I was disappointed and I've had a few conversations with 'Dimma' since and I've really used it as motivation through the pre-season," Lloyd said.

"I'll admit I thought I should have played, but I've got to keep working so I'm definitely there this season if we play finals."

Sam Lloyd makes his AFL debut for Richmond at the MCG with 22 disposals (13 kicks and 9 handballs), 3 marks, 5 tackles and 3 goals in a 38-point loss to Collingwood.