ESSENDON great Matthew Lloyd is adamant AFL clubs do not spend enough time practising goalkicking at training.

Lloyd, who sits seventh on the all-time AFL/VFL goalkicking list, said too often it was left up to an individual player's discretion to hone his skills after a session.

"It's quite staggering that it's an after-training drill and not [more] focused. It wins you games of football and there is still not enough emphasis … and the time being put into it," Lloyd told afl.com.au.

"The fitness staff manages the load and says, 'Nup, that's it for training, it's ended'. I used to always be putting in an extra couple of sessions a week - an extra 100 shots.

"It was my bread and butter and what I was paid to do, so I made sure I nailed my chances and I don't think enough guys are of that mindset."

Lloyd acknowledged the speed of the game had impacted on goalkicking - both on the run and at set shots when players are also gathering breath - but said it was no excuse not to have a routine.

"I'd still put my money on Brad Green every time. He's still a better kick than others at kicking for goal. I reckon Nick Riewoldt improved over the last year or two and has a greater focus and routine - he's improved out of sight," he said.

"There has been a change in rule with kicking for goal in 30 seconds, but I was all about taking my time with my routine and maximising that shot I had on goal because I treated it like a piece of gold. You work so hard to get hold of it you want to nail the opportunity.

"If players work through a routine and spend 30 seconds and not rush, then they can improve out of sight. It might take five or six months working at that - it just doesn't happen overnight."

Lloyd, who kicked 926 goals in 270 matches from 1995 to 2009, said even after his first of two 100-goal seasons, he upped his drills.

"I remember in 2000, I kicked 109.60 and it was too many points," he said.

"I remember (former assistant coach) Robert Shaw pulling me aside one day saying, 'I don't think you put in the time as a [Jason] Dunstall or a [Tony] Lockett would. He gave me a bit of a kick up the backside saying, 'You wouldn't want to lose a premiership by not finishing your opportunity'.

"The next year I remember thinking, 'Gee, maybe he's right'. And that's when it really turned, because I ended up kicking 105.36 and I just saw the results I was getting from the extra time I was putting in."

Lloyd was adamant poor goalkicking had cost premierships, highlighting Geelong (11.23) as an example in the 2008 grand final.

"You see Geelong losing a grand final a couple of years ago and you just never forgive yourself for those types of things," he said.

"The competition is so skilful, but when it comes to kicking for goal, it's not the same and it's a real mental hurdle. Some players would rather be on the run and they never put in the time, so it becomes a different kick.

"When people have stopped and are waiting for you to kick it, a lot of people don't handle that very well."