YOUNG Sydney Swans midfielder Jake Lloyd will line up for his fourth straight AFL game against Hawthorn on Friday night, a clear demonstration of the rewards that can come from perseverance.
Every year, players emerge unexpectedly to play significant roles at their respective teams.
Collingwood's Tom Langdon was with Sandringham in the VFL last season before being taken with a lowly 65th pick in the national draft, but has played every game this year and earned a NAB AFL Rising Star nod.
Paul Puopolo slipped to the fourth round of the 2010 draft (pick 66), but made his debut in round seven of his rookie year and now has a premiership and a regular place in the Hawks side.
The Swans have had two of them in recent years – Alex Johnson (pick 57, 2010 AFL Draft) and Dane Rampe (pick 37, 2013 Rookie Draft), who both went on to quickly play a glut of senior football.
This year, 20-year-old Lloyd is emerging as another of those bolters, enjoying a solid run in the seniors at a time when Ryan O'Keefe, Tom Mitchell and Gary Rohan are among those in the reserves.
"At the end of last year I signed a new contract and that was pretty special," Lloyd told AFL.com.au.
"It was one of my best years of football consistency-wise and the goal was to hopefully get a senior game this year.
"To be honest, I didn’t expect it to happen so early in the season."
A 180cm midfielder with a background in basketball, Lloyd was overlooked in two national drafts before the Swans nabbed him with pick 15 in the 2013 rookie draft.
He had a solid debut season in the NEAFL, earning a spot in that competition's Team of the Year and a two-year contract extension.
Some compelling form in the reserves this season then led to his elevation to the senior list and a place in the critical round-five clash with Fremantle.
Used as a sub on debut, he then played a full game and had 14 touches the following round against Melbourne.
Retained for another week, he produced 29 possessions, eight marks and a goal against the Brisbane Lions.
"He'd been playing well in our reserves for a long time and got his opportunity," Swans coach John Longmire said.
"He's another one of those midfielders that we've blooded that have come into that role and done a pretty good job.
"You're never quite sure who bobs up, but what we are certain of is that someone generally does.
"He came off our rookie list and it's a real credit to him."
Despite missing out on two national drafts, Lloyd never lost sight of his dream.
"It was obviously a pretty tough time to be knocked back two years in a row," he said.
"But I just wanted to play at the best level I could and give myself the best opportunity.
"I could've gone to the SANFL or the VFL, but I was lucky enough to be picked up by the Swans."
Kieren Jack was his mentor last season and this year it is O'Keefe.
It's another indication of the way the Swans operate that, despite the fact O'Keefe has had his own troubles this year, he still has plenty of time for Lloyd.
"He's a champion player and one of the greats of the game," Lloyd said.
"If I need anything, he's the first one there and I can always ask him, so he's been great."
And heading into the clash with Hawthorn, Lloyd has his own way of dealing with the position he now finds himself in.
"Third game in, the nerves aren't there as much and I feel a lot more comfortable," he said.
"I just try to pretend it's another game of football and do what I do best."
