AFL star Jake Lloyd reveals connection to ‘brave’ Jetstar hero Barry Clark
An incredible connection can be revealed between tonight’s AFL season-opening clash between Sydney and Hawthorn and the frightening incident on a Jetstar flight that saw a hero passenger take down a 17-year-old allegedly carrying a loaded shotgun.
Swans star Jake Lloyd’s parents were on the Melbourne-Sydney flight heading to the SCG for his 250th milestone game.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Man allegedly attempts to board Jetstar flight with gun.
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It was Barry who leapt into action when the accused 17-year-old stepped onto the plane with an alleged loaded shotgun.
The sheep shearer from Echuca helped subdue the alleged offender along with a Jetstar pilot until police arrived.
A thankful Lloyd said: “My thoughts are with everyone on board as it must have been a terrifying situation. It sounds like there were some incredibly brave actions from Barry and others to keep everyone safe.
“I’m grateful that my parents are OK and I can’t wait to see them when they arrive in Sydney.”
Sydney released a statement on Friday morning.
“The Sydney Swans can confirm that the parents of player Jake Lloyd were on board the flight from Avalon to Sydney when a serious security breach occurred yesterday,” the statement said.
“They were headed to Sydney ahead of Lloyd’s 250th AFL game in tonight’s match against Hawthorn at the SCG.
“A close friend of the family, Barry Clark, was involved in intervening the alleged offender.”
The club said it would not be making further comment on the matter.
Lloyd grew up in Horsham, Victoria, and is another one of Sydney’s incredible ‘rookie’ success stories.
The unassuming defender was not picked up in the national draft, but was taken with pick 16 in the league’s secondary draft in 2013.
The 31-year-old has since gone on to win two club best-and-fairest awards in 2018 and 2020, and has also been a runner-up twice in the B&F.
He also represented Victoria in the State of Origin for Bushfire Relief Match in 2020.
Former captains Brett Kirk and Kieren Jack, premiership heroes Nick Smith and Heath Grundy, and current stars Tom Papley, Dane Rampe and Harry Cunningham are just some of the other high-profile Sydney names who came out of the rookie draft.
- With 7NEWS.com.au
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
