Tarkyn Lockyer

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**Tarkyn Lockyer**
Personal information

Birth	October 30, 1979 (1979-10-30) (age 28), Western Australia
Recruited from	East Fremantle (WA)
Playing career¹
Debut	Round 8, May 15, 1999, Collingwood vs. Fremantle, at Melbourne Cricket Ground
Team(s)	Collingwood (1999-) 167 Games, 90 Goals
¹ Statistics to end of 2007 season
Career highlights
2nd Collingwood best and fairest 2000

Tarkyn Lockyer (born October 30, 1979) is an Australian rules footballer in the Australian Football League.

A rookie listed player in 1998 with the Magpies, Lockyer was quickly elevated to the senior list after showing his stuff and senior experience with East Fremantle in the WAFL. He made his debut in the Pies drought breaking win against Fremantle early in 1999. In a season that the Pies struggled in, Lockyer made good use of his elevation, playing every game since his debut and also became a valuable defender whose kick was one of the best at the club, trusted with the kick-ins.

2000 saw him have a great season, being runner-up in the Copeland Trophy to Nathan Buckley, with consistent performances, averaging 17 disposals in 21 games. He played even better in 2001, missing 2 games, but having over 370 disposals at over 18 disposals per game, and also kicked 19 goals for the year off the half-back line. In 2002 he was appointed vice-captain with great leadership qualities. He played all 25 games for the season, including the Grand Final where his September action was below par, despite having just under 450 disposals for the year.

The Pies made the Grand Final yet again in 2003, but he would miss most of the season, when he suffered an awful knee injury in Round 3 in which the knee was bent and Tarkyn had to be stretchered off the ground. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury, a dreaded AFL injury, required a knee reconstruction. Despite reacting well to the treatment and looking poised for a late season comeback, cartledge problems in Tarkyn's foot ended his season. After a long road to recovery he also suffered a broken foot before his desired return, but came back strong. In 2005 he had an under-rated season, once again getting possession, another 430 in 22 matches, playing every game. Lockyer was played as a small backman come midfielder playing on the types of Milne, Scotland, Power and Davey. Lockyer is an exponent model of a left footed drop punt.

In 2006 he had a good start to the season, showing consistent form out of the backline, but was exposed mid-season as a defender when Jeff Farmer lead the Dockers to an unlikely victory at the MCG, where he kicked 6 goals on Lockyer. Lockyer would still play every game, and still had some good form leading into the finals, where he was one of the club's best against the Western Bulldogs. The brilliant small man refulled hopes of reaching his potential shown in 2002 at long last after his injury, displaying skill in more than one position. The player, classed as a utility, played well in half forward flank, half back flank, wing and forward pocket positions.

[edit] 2007

Lockyer began 2007 in exceptional fashion, with an exciting goal against the North Melbourne Kangaroos to help get the Magpies home in a thriller. Two weeks later, Lockyer produced the first of many stunning efforts, including a 32 possession haul against the Richmond Tigers, a near best-on-ground against the Essendon Bombers in The ANZAC Day clash, which was typified by a wonderful tackle on Bomber's Adam McPhee prior to finding space for a much needed major.

Many believed him best-on-ground effort was awarded for his match against the Adelaide Crows, and he continued his good form up to his 150th AFL match. Despite not celebrating the game with a win, the Magpie consolidated himself, and his status as a star.

After playing on Brisbane Lions premiership player Nigel Lappin and amassing another 32 touches, Lockyer's form has slightly dropped in matches against Fremantle Dockers, Melbourne Demons and Sydney Swans. However, his improvement in form has been noted by many, including an opposition coach, Chris Connolly, who claimed Lockyer would be the first player selected if State of Origin football was to be played this year.^[1]