LOVETT, Andrew

Andrew Lovett was selected by Essendon with pick 42 in the 2004 Rookie Draft. He played no senior games in 2004 but was elevated from the rookie list in 2005 to replace Andrew Lee who was placed on the long term injury list. He made his debut in Round 3 and was one of the best players for Essendon on that day where his skill, speed and poise provided excitement for Essendon fans.

He was best afield in only his third senior match, picking up the Anzac Day Medal against Collingwood with 20 possessions and kicking two goals. His influence on the team did not go unnoticed which became apparent when he could no longer sneak under the opposition guard, but became a tagged player when playing against Port Adelaide.

Lovett's magnificent season was acknowledged when he was awarded Best First Year Player in 2005 at the Crichton Medal ceremony and capped this off with being selected for the International Rules Series.

He struggled under the weight of personal problems in 2006, but later in the year played some good football before a thumb injury ended his season.

Lovett played just 16 games in 2007 because of knee and shoulder injuries but when he was on song there were few who could match him.

Again in 2007 he was distracted by off-field problems and played only 17 games in 2008 and it was looking likely he would be traded. A deal could not be reached with another club and he remained at Essendon and committed to turning things around in 2009.

2009 was Lovett’s best season. His electrifying pace, attack and goal sense were the key to a number of Essendon wins and he was shaping as a genuine champion. But he came out of contract at the end of the season and it was agreed that the player and club would part ways.

On 7 October 2009 it was announced that Lovett had accepted a trade to St Kilda in return for Essendon receiving a first round draft pick, number 16 overall. His contract was terminated in February 2010 when he was charged with sexual assault. He was acquitted, but despite nominating for the Rookie Draft again, he was not selected by any club. In 2022, he was jailed for eight months for assaulting his girlfriend.

Andrew Lovett is a cousin of Nathan Lovett-Murray.