Nick's Collingwood Page - The 2004 Team

After being elevated off the rookie list at the end of 1998, Lockyer made his debut in round eight 1999. – Collingwood’s first win in 13 weeks.
Lockyer made an impression in the back pocket and was then transferred to the win. Lockyer continued his good form in 2000 with his excellent kicking improving so much that he was taking the kick out duties - position Nathan Buckley had filled for years.
He made the occasional blunder that an inexperienced player makes, but was generally effective.
2001 saw Lockyer step up to a leadership role and enjoyed his best season to date. He made the transition to the midfield where he honed his skills along side Buckley and Burns. Late in the season, an accidental hip and shoulder from Jarrod Molloy ending his season. Lockyer was good again in 2002, winning lots of the ball and using it as well as ever.
He was a good performer in the Grand Final, scoring a goal in the second quarter. However, it wasn’t enough to stop the rampant Lions from a nine-point victory.
2003 was a write off for Lockyer as he injured his knee in the round three clash with the Cats. The injury ended his season, despite a vein attempt to return to the seniors late in the year.
Lockyer broke a bone in his foot during the early stages of a practise match for Williamstown early in 2004, setting him back until round nine against the Kangaroos. Although he had a touch of the fumbles, Lockyer was generally good as the side coasted to its second victory in a row.