Bye-Bye Lovey

Mark RobinsonHE might've blown it, Andrew Lovett. At 25, and after four seasons and 65 games, Essendon's wayward match-winner will be put up for trade.

The question is why.

The answer is Lovett, like many players before him, has taken the game, his teammates and his club for granted.

Lovett is a young man who was born with talent, athleticism and a craving for the big stage. And yet, in the supposed prime-time of his footballing life, he has forced his club to put him on the trade table.

It's staggering he's let his opportunity to come to this.

This for a guy who won the Anzac Day Medal in his first handful of games for the Bombers in 2005, who turned himself from small forward to breakneck wingman, who plays the game in the most simplistic and pleasurable manner that you hope to dear God there's many more indigenous players just like him.

Even this year, on the night he shredded Carlton at the 'G in Round 3, fingers were crossed the penny might finally have dropped for him.

It was not to be. Indeed, it may never happen.

The criticism is he's lazy, won't stay committed and lacks discipline in different forms of his life.

He disrespects his teammates.

Twice this year the Bombers suspended him.

The first time was in the pre-season - for all of the pre-season matches - for missing an early-morning training session. The club won't confirm if alcohol was involved.

The second time was after missing another session, this time coach Matthew Knights confirming Lovett had been out the night before "socialising".

A big ground specialist, Lovett missed playing Richmond and Collingwood (Rounds 16-17). Essendon lost to the Tigers, but defeated the Pies.

Those incidents followed a much more volatile abuse incident and consequent court case, in 2006, involving an ex-girlfriend.

The oldest of eight children, Lovett also lost his father in the same year and was confronted with more harrowing personal news which he continues to deal with.

Throughout, the Bombers stuck by their troubled player, helping with counselling sessions.

High-performance manager John Quinn invited Lovett to live with him and his family as the footballer tried to get his life and career back on track. About the same time, Lovett told the Herald Sun he was suffering from depression.

Two years on, Lovett's career has spun to a standstill. He's made a mockery of the AFL Season Guide which described him: "Has the potential to be one of Essendon's stars."

Lovett played 16 games this year, but disappointed the coach in regards to professionalism - a buzz word in the new regime.

It's no certainty he will be traded and Lovett does not want to leave, but he will be dangled in any potential chase for West Coast's Daniel Kerr.

Knights hasn't oozed confidence when asked about Lovett, either.

"I had a chat with Andrew and his manager, where things are at, how he's played this year, how things have gone, where the club's heading, and no definitive decision have been made either way," he said.

"It would depend on what happens post-season, with how things evolve with how we're travelling."

No warmth there, I'm sorry.

For Lovett, the next two months are uncertain. He could do well to talk to Collingwood's Leon Davis.

Davis is 27. Two years ago, his career looked shot, and have a look at him now. All-Australian beckons.

The message is clear: it's never too late to change.

Don't know, however, if Knights would agree.

Bye-bye Lovey!

Had your chance(s) - muffed it...

Congratulations to Head Coach - Matthew Knights, in his first season. Matty has shown true leadership, intellect and courage. In dealing with Andrew Lovett.

WE are a club that has worked well with, past Legends & Champion Indigenous players - the likes of Long and Wanganeen. Do we not have some fine young, exciting talent at our club - in Ryder Davey and Jetta? Davey would have killed to play more games for the Red & Black this season, but cruelled with injury, has had to sit out and watch the disappointment that is Lovey. In fact, Lovey surely must have had a deteramental & demoralising effect on all the listed players (young & old), when they see one player with so much talent - think - he can do as he pleases and coast along...

It is a pity, though that McVeigh never grabbed him by the throat in the change rooms and straighten the "little romantic twit" out.

sumthink he may play elsewhere - not I - "BUYER BEWARE"!

Cheers,

CHRISTOS BOMBEROPOULOS