The Pie Man
15-07-2009, 11:13 AM
Assembled on short notice, so apologise if this isn't up to the regular standard - thanks Mantis for the request
13 Andrew Lovett
THE ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Height: 183cm
Weight: 74kg
Date of birth: 11/11/1982
AFL debut: 2005
Essendon debut: 2005
Total AFL Games: 81
Total EFC Games: 81
Total Goals: 87
Previous Club(s): East Perth (WA)
Recruited From: 2004 Rookie Draft, selection 42
From Essendon FC website
A natural and rare talent, Andrew Lovett had a mixed season in 2008 during which he dominated some games and missed others through suspension. However, when at his best, Lovett delivered game turning explosiveness that few players can. Almost traded by the club post-season, the 26-year-old has returned to Windy Hill with an excellent attitude and has been training the house down during pre-season. Lovett will be desperate to demonstrate his brilliance on a consistent basis in 2009 and raise his standing to ‘AFL elite’.
His stats this year reflect his vast improvement and response to the off season rumblings, averaging just under 22 disposals a game this year, up from 18 last year - has only dropped below 20 disposal 5 times, lowest being 15 vs North Melbourne. He's also averaging a goal a game this year, and was amongst the best last week against Sydney with 29 touches.
Seems the near trade to Geelong did the trick for Lovett, and he's finally using his electic pace and clean disposal to the Bombers advantage, complementing a game style implemented by Matthew Knights - I genuinely believe he's approaching 'elite' status, though I'll hold that judgment until I see him perform at his recent level more consistently and for the next few years.
Who will take him and can we stop him? It's hard to lock someone like Lovett completely out of a game, though you can limit the effectiveness of his disposal through midfield pressure. I believe players like Lovett were the reason Picken was brought into the side, to give our midfield tag role more speed - though I think he'll need help (perhaps Boyd also)
There maybe other more damaging players at Essendon, though I'd be surprised if Eade doesn't identify Lovett as somone who can really hurt us and single him out for attention.
13 Andrew Lovett
THE ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Height: 183cm
Weight: 74kg
Date of birth: 11/11/1982
AFL debut: 2005
Essendon debut: 2005
Total AFL Games: 81
Total EFC Games: 81
Total Goals: 87
Previous Club(s): East Perth (WA)
Recruited From: 2004 Rookie Draft, selection 42
From Essendon FC website
A natural and rare talent, Andrew Lovett had a mixed season in 2008 during which he dominated some games and missed others through suspension. However, when at his best, Lovett delivered game turning explosiveness that few players can. Almost traded by the club post-season, the 26-year-old has returned to Windy Hill with an excellent attitude and has been training the house down during pre-season. Lovett will be desperate to demonstrate his brilliance on a consistent basis in 2009 and raise his standing to ‘AFL elite’.
His stats this year reflect his vast improvement and response to the off season rumblings, averaging just under 22 disposals a game this year, up from 18 last year - has only dropped below 20 disposal 5 times, lowest being 15 vs North Melbourne. He's also averaging a goal a game this year, and was amongst the best last week against Sydney with 29 touches.
Seems the near trade to Geelong did the trick for Lovett, and he's finally using his electic pace and clean disposal to the Bombers advantage, complementing a game style implemented by Matthew Knights - I genuinely believe he's approaching 'elite' status, though I'll hold that judgment until I see him perform at his recent level more consistently and for the next few years.
Who will take him and can we stop him? It's hard to lock someone like Lovett completely out of a game, though you can limit the effectiveness of his disposal through midfield pressure. I believe players like Lovett were the reason Picken was brought into the side, to give our midfield tag role more speed - though I think he'll need help (perhaps Boyd also)
There maybe other more damaging players at Essendon, though I'd be surprised if Eade doesn't identify Lovett as somone who can really hurt us and single him out for attention.