HORSHAM footballer Jake Lloyd has been tagged as the Sydney Swans’ most promising player after a breakout season in 2014.

Lloyd was presented with the Cathy Lees Memorial Award by the club on Wednesday.

The award is given to the brightest young prospect at the club and is named after Cathy Lees, a young cancer victim who was the daughter of two passionate Sydney supporters.

It has been presented since 1998 and past winners include club greats Brett Kirk and Tadhg Kennelly as well as current stars Luke Parker, Sam Reid and Brandon Jack.

Lloyd started 2014 on Sydney’s rookie list before being elevated to the senior list in round five.

The 21-year-old midfielder played every game from that point including the Swans’ three finals.

He was nominated for the AFL Rising Star award after a 21-disposal, seven-tackle game against St Kilda in round 21.

Lloyd said he was surprised, but grateful to receive the award.

‘‘When I heard my name called it was a great feeling and I was very honoured,’’ he said.

‘‘It has been going for 16 years and some of the players who have won it before me have been superstars of the competition and the club.

‘‘I have got a lot of work to do, but hopefully I can do as well as some of the guys that have won it previously in their careers.’’

Lloyd said the award was no guarantee of success and he still had to work to establish himself in the deep Sydney midfield.

‘‘We’ve got new players coming in as a group and other players stepping up as well, so I definitely haven’t got my spot in the side guaranteed,’’ he said.

‘‘I’ve had a pretty big pre-season and I have to continue to work hard to earn my spot come round one.

‘‘We always have guys in the reserves pushing hard for a spot in the senior side, so if you’re not on your game you can find yourself out of the side pretty quickly.’’

Lloyd said last year’s 63-point loss to Hawthorn in the grand final was a big motivating factor for him and the rest of the Swans during their pre-season campaign.

‘‘It still hurts really bad for all the guys and you get a sick feeling in your guts at the opportunity that we had,’’ he said.

‘‘We’ve addressed that and we can’t do anything about it now – come round one, that’s when we can show people that we have moved on and are getting better.’’