Lloyd has played at the Grasshoppers since 2021 and is a 2024 KDL premiership player.
While only joining the club at the turn of the decade, the Lloyd name is synonymous with the Hoppers, Aidan accompanied by a pair of brothers famous in green and gold, with Andrew and James Lloyd producing best-on-ground performances in the 2024 and 2025 flags.
It’s this family connection that the upcoming senior coach reflects has played a crucial part in his loyalty to Murchison-Toolamba, and why he is energised by the proposition of leading the playing group.
“I’ve said it so many times, it’s the family culture Murch has out there,” Lloyd said.
“I haven’t witnessed it any other club how much of a family the whole club feels.
“I put myself out there and expressed I was keen to coach, and I’m thrilled Simon (Robinson), the president, and the board put their faith in me.”
Aidan and brother James are going toe-to-toe in the KDL’s goalkicking count in 2026, the soon-to-be coach sitting fourth on 59 majors while last year’s winner is perched second on 72, albeit 32 behind league-leader Nagambie’s Tom Barnes.
Still performing at his peak, Lloyd will be a playing coach next year for the Hoppers.
“I’ll have to learn the mix of when to be a coach and when to be a player, and set those guidelines for myself,” he said.
“But we have a lot of leaders out there, so if I’m getting in among the contest, there’s no doubt I’ll have assistance in other aspects of the role.”
With Foley hunting a three-peat before exiting, the third-placed Hoppers are well within a shout of climbing to the peak of the KDL mountain again.
Lloyd won’t interrupt that process through August and September, but admits he’ll be observant around the coaching personnel prior to season’s end.
“Brett’s a fabulous coach, so I’ll let him take the reins for the rest of the year,” he said.
“But I’ll pop my head in where I can to try learn some things and a little bit of guidance to get up to scratch for next year.”
Murchison-Toolamba will aim to lock in third with a 13th win of the season against Tallygaroopna at Murchison Recreation Reserve on Saturday, before it begins its road to September 12 in a likely elimination final fixture against sixth-placed Stanhope.
Out east at the Eagles nest, Shepparton East has appointed co-coaches for the 2027 season.
Nick Iorianni makes the step up after reporting as assistant coach this season, while gun midfielder Jayden Dhosi has also been named co-coach.
Shepparton East's Jayden Dhosi has been named as a senior co-coach for 2027.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Dhosi is listed currently as vice-captain for the Eagles, and has been named in the best 11 times from 15 appearances this season.
The Eagles host ladder-leaders Nagambie in round 18 in an early finals blockbuster previewing at Central Park Recreation Reserve.
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