Lacking Quality: Matthew Lloyd Highlights the Major Gap Essendon Must Address

Matthew Lloyd has expressed concern over Essendon’s draft selections, labelling the club as “desperate” for a high-calibre pick that can evolve into a midfield standout.

Since 2020, the Bombers have utilised a total of 10 first-round picks, with seven of these occurring within the top 10 of the draft.

Among this group, Ben Hobbs, selected at pick 13 in 2021, has been let go, while Elijah Tsatas, taken at pick five in 2022, is facing challenges in securing a spot in the starting lineup.

In the 2020 draft, they employed three top-10 selections, with Zach Reid and Archie Perkins proving to be solid, though not game-changing players, while Nik Cox’s progress has been hampered by ongoing concussion challenges.

Nate Caddy, selected at pick 10 in 2023, and Isaac Kako, chosen at pick 13 in 2024, are both showing promise as quality forward prospects for the future.

Lloyd is now looking to the 2025 draft class, where Essendon again had the chance to select three first-round players.

Jacob Farrow (pick 10) and Dyson Sharp (pick 13) have already made their on-field debuts, while Sullivan Robey (pick 9) is recovering from injury but has performed commendably in the VFL.

“They’re just crying out for… I just noted what Isaac Heeney has accomplished at Sydney or what Kozzie Pickett is doing for Melbourne… the club desperately needs a midfield presence,” Lloyd revealed on Nine’s Footy Classified.

“Since drafting Zach Merrett, there has been a significant lack of quality in that area.

“You have Sam Durham and Jye Caldwell in there, but they’re starting from a long way off the mark, not at A-grade talent level. They’ve overlooked some key prospects through the draft. Elijah Tsatas is playing VFL. Nate Caddy is the standout, though.

“Out of Dyson Sharp, Jacob Farrow, and Sullivan Robey, I understand it’s a lot of weight on their shoulders, but the team needs some of these players to step up.

“It’s not just about the players; it’s the system, the development, the environment they’re training in, but the club must make the most of these selections.”

Robey, standing at 192cm, has seen a rapid rise on draft boards in 2025 as an explosive forward with significant scoring potential.

Sharp is regarded as a promising long-term midfield option, capable of making an impact at stoppages and adept at finding the football, while Farrow is viewed as a skilled ball user.

The club is banking on these draftees to help reverse their fortunes following a disappointing 0-3 start to the season, putting increasing pressure on coach Brad Scott.

Currently, Essendon finds itself in 17th place on the ladder with a percentage of 61.6. They suffered heavy defeats at the hands of Hawthorn and Port Adelaide, and were outplayed by North Melbourne.

Next up, they are set to face the undefeated Western Bulldogs, with their losing streak now standing at a staggering 16 games.