IN HIS 252 games up to the beginning of the 2009 season, Essendon captain Matthew Lloyd was averaging 3.54 goals per game.

He has clearly been the best full-forward over the last decade.

While it is also obvious he is past his prime and only averaging a couple of goals per game this year, it would appear that the second half of 2009 will see Lloyd back to his traditional role as a permanent full-forward.

With the intention of looking longer term, the Bombers have been giving game time to young full-forward Jay Neagle, which has pushed Lloyd up the field and Scott Lucas out of the team for a few weeks.

With a finals berth or even a top-four finish distinctly possible, it would appear that quite rightly the selection focus at Windy Hill has gone back to the short term and what is best for right now.

This means Lloyd will be predominantly back in his most comfortable role playing out of the goal square with Lucas as the running half-forward.

For the moment the developing Neagle must be overlooked because the veteran key forward combination that has been a strength of Essendon's for most of the decade is still their best option.

As captain and with a disciplined team-first attitude, Matty Lloyd will always give his all no matter where he is asked to play.

However, I am sure that back in his comfort zone at full-forward he will attack the footy in the second half of the season with an even greater degree of enthusiasm and confidence.  

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.