Top Bomber Happy To Back Lovett
The Sunday Age
Sunday November 9, 2008
MATTHEW Lloyd has endorsed the view of Essendon coach Matthew Knights that Andrew Lovett would be welcomed back into the playing group, both bearing no grudges and sensing no resentment, following the club's failed efforts to trade him last month.
The Bombers' captain considered Lovett in his team's best 10 players, and said the players simply expected him to do what he could to ensure his talent was no longer wasted, or put to use at another club in the future."We all know his talent and none of us are asking him to be an angel. He's just got to be a professional footballer and do everything he can to perform to his best," said Lloyd, after the Bombers' first skills session of the pre-season on Friday."That's all we're asking and you just hope he can cut out the one or two things he seems to do each year. By no means has he been a big issue for the club or been bringing other people down, it's more about him getting the best out of the amazing ability he's got."He understands now that the eyes are on him and that we're not all the same, but that we expect him to do what's best for himself and his teammates. We're all glad he's still here, because he's a good player, he's in our best 10 players for sure and we would have really missed him."With Essendon hopeful of having its two young, injury-riddled key position prospects - Scott Gumbleton and Jay Neagle - ready to team up for the start of the season, Lloyd was satisfied with the forward line depth his club was beginning to develop."Alwyn Davey's another one, he's as important as anyone in our team and I can't wait to play with him again," said Lloyd, with Davey progressing well in his recovery from a knee reconstruction and expected to be playing by round one."He was a massive loss for us last year and with him back in and the young guys coming through together, we're starting to find a lot of options. Scott Lucas wasn't there for a long time last year either, and he's one we forget about."We want to have as much depth and potency as we can, and also at the other end start getting guys like Tayte Pears coming through to help Dustin Fletcher out. Darcy Daniher's another one who could do it."
© 2008 The Sunday Age
