A player best known for his after-the-siren heroics for Richmond in 2016, Western Bulldogs forward Sam Lloyd has retired from the AFL.

Drafted as a mature-age recruit from the VFL in 2013, Lloyd booted 69 goals in 57 games for Richmond and kicked another 45 in 32 appearances for the Bulldogs.

His crowning moment came when he kicked a superb goal after the siren from 45m out to deliver Richmond a one-point victory over Sydney at the MCG in 2016.

“Playing AFL has been an amazing experience, and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved on the field,” Lloyd, 30, said.

“My journey wasn’t conventional, but I’m just honoured to have played at the highest level.

“I’m extremely grateful to have represented two great clubs, who have given me the chance to live out a boyhood dream.”

Lloyd booted 35 goals in 22 games for the Tigers in 2016 but fell out of favour the next year – missing out on the club’s breakthrough AFL premiership, though he was best-on-ground in their VFL triumph.

He was traded to the Western Bulldogs at the end of 2018 and led their 2019 goal-kicking with a career-high 38 goals – but was limited to just nine games this year.

Lloyd’s immediate retirement to pursue business opportunities outside of football, gives the Bulldogs an extra list spot for the 2021 season.

They can either fill it in the pre-season supplemental selection period, or save it for next year’s mid-season rookie draft.