Essendon rules out interest in Lovett

NOoooooooo, please get him back

- Anthony Travers (posted 30/11/2011 2:05:34 PM)

thank god

- Adrian Reynolds (posted 30/11/2011 2:06:02 PM)

bring him back we NEED the pace

- jade laws (posted 30/11/2011 2:12:40 PM)

I don't see how a classy mature midfielder with pace and skills does not fit our needs. surely worth a spot on the rookie list.

- jack Hynes (posted 30/11/2011 2:16:59 PM)

ray and bobby will be upset!! :)

- Troel Shields (posted 30/11/2011 2:18:09 PM)

What a shame, we need some more speed and small forward class up front, surely as a rookie it's worth a punt??

- David Djurovitch (posted 30/11/2011 2:19:29 PM)

He is a mature midfielder that has pace and great skills and can go forward and kick goals. Dissapointed that he won't be playing for essendon!

- jack Hynes (posted 30/11/2011 2:22:47 PM)

He lead the way in forward pressure before it was a buzz phrase. He had defenders spooked with his rundown. We have said we need more midfield options. He wants to play for the Bombers. I think we need flexibility in our strategy plan to accommodate him

- John Sexton (posted 30/11/2011 2:23:01 PM)

disappointing, he has obviously worked hard mentally and physically, give him a shot!

- Ethan Donati (posted 30/11/2011 2:23:17 PM)

Worth considering Ainslie's Aaron Vandenberg- tough midfielder and good games through the NEAFL finals including the grand final.

- Thomas Faunce (posted 30/11/2011 2:23:23 PM)

Great player and good luck to him for his future, but I think the Club's position is correct.

- Graham Flynn (posted 30/11/2011 2:24:09 PM)

It was a thought,now we move on.I wish you all the best in your quest for finding a afl team to pursue your dreams.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 30/11/2011 2:24:21 PM)

disappointing, he has obviously worked hard mentally and physically, deserves a shot. not fair to simply overlook him, we need his pace and competitive edge

- Ethan Donati (posted 30/11/2011 2:25:26 PM)

He is a champion footballer so why not give him a crack, what do you have to lose bombers?

- matthew mizzi (posted 30/11/2011 2:26:32 PM)

good choice!!:)

- peter daley (posted 30/11/2011 2:27:34 PM)

This is sad to hear I really wanted Andrew back, all us members should demand him back.

- Joe Sakac (posted 30/11/2011 2:27:58 PM)

seriously, everyone says we need more midfield dominance, and when we get one really talented one we deny him? makes no sense, get real he deserves a shot!

- Ethan Donati (posted 30/11/2011 2:29:11 PM)

Are u serious Mr. Hamilton ????, have been seeing what the fans are writing???? You wanted pace, you give the like Barny's a second chance why not Lovett???

- Hussein Hassan (posted 30/11/2011 2:29:31 PM)

BOOOOOO

- Daniel Bampton (posted 30/11/2011 2:30:18 PM)

Jimmy, you are da man - who we trust! Dont make the same mistakes as Sheeds did in his last 5 years. Great decision, I like Lovett but rather youth with pace. He is past it. Like me......

- Brad Scarr (posted 30/11/2011 2:34:44 PM)

Dammit, Lovett would have been a really good boost for our midfield. Give the guy a chance, he has got the passion you can tell.

- William Clarke (posted 30/11/2011 2:35:54 PM)

A sad story from many points of view - especially his. He is a wonderful talent and was my favourite and, I believe, our best player before he had to leave. I hope he can get his life and career on track. He is in a very fragile place right now. I am sorry the club feels this way.

- Ian Moore (posted 30/11/2011 2:36:09 PM)

Andrew Lovett is a midfielder. disappointing is this how we should treat him? Lovett has shown an interest in playing for us if he plays for Carlton I'll make them my second favorite team. If we don't recruit Lovett then I'm sorry, I'll support Bendigo FC and EFC Reserves until we recruit at least Lovett, Fevola, Matthew Little, Ben Duscher, Trent Shinners, Justin Maddern, David Meli, Nick Ryan, then sorry, go Bendigo Diggers and EFC Reserves!

- Al Catraz (posted 30/11/2011 2:36:38 PM)

The club knows best. They will pobably take, a ruckman and Long. How many picks do we have left?

- Gerard Smith (posted 30/11/2011 2:39:58 PM)

That's settled then. Lovett back in the red and black next year. Another smoke screen just like picking a ruckman in the draft. Keep the chin up Andrew.

- Dave Blomley (posted 30/11/2011 2:40:30 PM)

Disappointing, but like the umpies, I doubt we can change the decision

- alec shiffman (posted 30/11/2011 2:41:14 PM)

All the more reason for a serious look at at Manson

- alec shiffman (posted 30/11/2011 2:42:25 PM)

Imo The Club has just about got it right... A shame Andrew wasted his opportunities,and lost a bit of support inside and around the Club... Look at the players who have come on since he was traded... Magnificent highlights package,magnificent player,but for us,maybe the wrong side of 30 to get another go here.. All the very best Andrew,you left your mark in our hearts!!

- Noel Shields (posted 30/11/2011 2:43:40 PM)

Gerard, we have six selections in the Rookie Draft in a few weeks.

- Essendon Insider (posted 30/11/2011 2:50:35 PM)

such a great talent but the risk of what if it all goes wrong. will never forget his final run down the middle anzac day 2009 in the final minutes, awesome! good luck andrew mick malthouse believes in 2nd chances take krakouer for example...

- Joe Ferry-Gibson (posted 30/11/2011 2:52:08 PM)

shame shame shame shame and disappointing he would of been just right 4 us

- MARK JONES (posted 30/11/2011 2:54:20 PM)

tell me about boo boo boo thats right daniel

- MARK JONES (posted 30/11/2011 2:56:47 PM)

This statement means nothing. EFC will pick him up in the rookie draft. I know the club has made shocking errors in ignoring classy established players but i doubt they would be crazy enough to neglect a man who wants to repay the club through heart and soul. Little will be priority #1 obviously - then Lovett #2

- chris castell (posted 30/11/2011 3:04:20 PM)

Worth a risk as a rookie is a long shot to make it anyway,plus would be a good upgrade should we loose eg zaka,jetta or melk for the year through injury. Give longy another go and get him the best medical treatment available!

- Chris Steffen (posted 30/11/2011 3:15:46 PM)

I guess they have to make a call as to whether he gets along with the rest of the guys and fits in generally. If he does i would be happy to see him back in black and red. Good luck to him whatever happens.

- Rob Collins (posted 30/11/2011 3:26:48 PM)

No disrespect to the club but its clear the members and fans want him back, hes a ready made player and was the quickest most dangerous player when playing 2 yrs ago, maybe you should listen to the fans for once whats gunna guna hurt having him there on $50K wage when you recorded a 1M+ profit this year?? 80% of us members would want him back

- Heath Mann (posted 30/11/2011 3:28:16 PM)

Im sure the football departments decision was not based on football ability alone.

- BRADLEY DUNN (posted 30/11/2011 3:31:52 PM)

I feel sorry for Andrew, particularly after reading the article about him in today's "Age", he was a thrilling player to watch, but I think that the club has made the right decision in choosing not to bring him back to Essendon. At this stage of our development we should give young players maximum opportunity, and there is a good chance that we will soon get some more very promising ones in the rookie draft.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 30/11/2011 3:45:07 PM)

I don't think that selecting Lovett would be in the best interests of the EFC..... Lovett is the past / the Future is now... There is no turning back.....

- Victor Tallis (posted 30/11/2011 3:52:09 PM)

short sighted imo

- Anthony Doyle (posted 30/11/2011 3:58:00 PM)

he use to terrify Carlton FC. among others

- Michael Hanna (posted 30/11/2011 3:59:12 PM)

Great news!

- Davor Stanic (posted 30/11/2011 4:02:11 PM)

last thing we need right now is a player willing to put in for only 5 minutes of a game

- Davor Stanic (posted 30/11/2011 4:03:50 PM)

i think if hird and his team want a flag they should give lovett a second chance put him in the midfield

- Joe Muscara (posted 30/11/2011 4:08:19 PM)

Looks like more want him back than not. Why be so shortsighted EFC must be worth talking to at least,if anyone could get him back on track our team could.

- Mark Rose (posted 30/11/2011 4:13:38 PM)

Talent like his does not come along every day. Get off your high horse and get him back pronto. He has the talent and speed to turn close games in our favor by exiting the fans and sparking up his teammates. If you want to boost membership and win a flag or two, put the past in the past and get him back home in an Essendon jumper.

- Mark Barden (posted 30/11/2011 4:13:38 PM)

You guys are really ridiculous sometimes. Pretty sure Hird and Bomber know a little bit more than you guys do about who is a good fit for the team. Great decision not to pick him up, has been too long out of the game. Go support Bendigo Al, good luck with that champ!

- Craig Hitchcock (posted 30/11/2011 4:24:34 PM)

Get Lovett back in the red & black, we need him.

- Paul Lewis (posted 30/11/2011 4:26:20 PM)

Yeah !! you tell em Al Catraz!! whatever Al dont get on here and get all bleeding heart about EFC not picking up one of the 25 blokes you think deserve a game at an elite football club!!!

- Rowan Gerecke (posted 30/11/2011 4:29:04 PM)

The 2009 stats show that Andrew Lovett is a class player: second to Marc Murphy in score assists, second to Judd in chains of possessions leading to goals. Besides that, he is an Essendon person. He is one of us. I want him back at the club. At the very least he should be invited to train with the club in the lead up to the remaining drafts. A bit of compassion for a prodigal son is what we need here.

- Shayne Breen (posted 30/11/2011 4:35:51 PM)

In Hird we trust! Everyone forgets how much pain he put this club through! Hird saw enough of his bad behaviour as his Captain!

- Sam Santos (posted 30/11/2011 4:47:49 PM)

Give us supporters something for our investment and bring the exciting Andrew Lovett back into the list. Not much to lose as he has said he would play for peanuts and he could well boost the membership. - John McCallum

- John McCallum (posted 30/11/2011 4:56:10 PM)

In case EFC are telling the truth - I think members should all be able to vote. This site should set it up now. I believe more than 80% of the fans want him back

- chris castell (posted 30/11/2011 5:06:03 PM)

Even if you ignore the various personal issues - he's 29 years old, hasn't played seriously in 2 years, and while his best was very good he also went missing for games at a time. Give the rookie spot to someone who can serve us for 5+ years.

- Nathan Schultz (posted 30/11/2011 5:20:33 PM)

EFC will pick him up as a rookie. They just don't want to say anything yet because it will attract too much media attention. We will pick him up whilst Hawthorn pick up Fevola but the media's eyes will all be on Fev and Lovett can keep his head down bum up at Essendon. Carn the MIGHTY Bombers!!!

- Harry Calaghan (posted 30/11/2011 5:23:54 PM)

Yeah he was traded - because he wanted to leave. I'm all for him returning if we were top 4 this season, we were not and would not like to see him taking the spot of one of our younger players. Jimmy is not coaching for a quick fix. He is setting us up for a period of success. Stop threatening al - just go.

- Brad Scarr (posted 30/11/2011 5:28:44 PM)

Well that was quick.....Good stuff Dons

- Ollie Walmsley (posted 30/11/2011 5:38:01 PM)

Lovett was in Essendon's top 5 players when he left. At little cost, as a rookie selection it may very well give him a chance to prove his real worth. I understand Laycock is doing well in Tassie and as an experienced ruckman, and pending medical clearance, he night also be considered for a comeback.

- Peter Bonett (posted 30/11/2011 5:49:40 PM)

pick them both up Long and Little (excuse pund), Little kick a few gaols for bendigo, i think EFC did right thing by not picking lovett.

- Max Thorne (posted 30/11/2011 5:58:10 PM)

Essendon,this is a great chance to show the public how good this club realy is.Get Lovett back home,sit him down and tell him he can come back on match payments only for the first year to prove himself before he is taken in full time.He has to prove he wants to come home and that he will give his all for the club.He was a great player,and can still be a great player for the club and we are not yet in a position to turn away talent like that.Give the man a go, but on club terms only. This could be very good for both parties.

- Robert(bill) St. Martin (posted 30/11/2011 6:00:04 PM)

very good decision,he turned his back on our club when we needed him.He lacks loyalty,character & moral discipline.Andrew has lost my respect with his actions against women,with whom he shows no respect at all.

- jim young (posted 30/11/2011 6:25:55 PM)

Listen to the people EFC. We want Lovett BACK!

- Tony Gekas (posted 30/11/2011 6:26:00 PM)

I like him but his best will be behind him by the time we are ready to challenge for a flag. Hirdy knows whats best for the club

- Toryn Kasa (posted 30/11/2011 6:28:29 PM)

The club has spoken.move on.

- Mark Elze (posted 30/11/2011 6:48:16 PM)

Fev, Lov, Kav? The one that makes any sense, is the one we already have! Put emotions aside. We must look at the future potential of this list, not the past deeds of a couple of individuals.

- Kris Bayne (posted 30/11/2011 7:04:57 PM)

So the club will probably rookie list a forward because of "bloodlines" when Hirdy stated even b4 drafting O'Brien we had enough forwards & a player destined to spend another 2 years on the LONG term injury list so there isn't any room for a player who is fit & can actually play..

- Mark McLachlan (posted 30/11/2011 7:05:19 PM)

Sadly, Chris, the Club isn't a democracy and Hirdy has a job to do, which he will do using the experience and intuition which he has (and we don't), and sentiment will not be a factor. That's what he was brought on board to do.

- alec shiffman (posted 30/11/2011 7:10:34 PM)

Good call EFC. Pages 209-210 of Lloydy's book tell us something of a past culture within the Club. Our new group will establish their own future.

- Peter Murray (posted 30/11/2011 7:11:58 PM)

If I remember correctly one of the reasons St. Kilda recruited Lovett was on the recommendation from James Hird & that other bloke

- Mark McLachlan (posted 30/11/2011 7:16:27 PM)

You have to be joking. He would be a perfect fit as a rookie at the moment. Don't tell me you are thinking of rookie drafting Nathan Ablett, he was over rated at Geelong and only played in a GF because of his brother. Don't bother with Ablett, Rookie Draft mature aged players as insurance against young kids breaking down.

- Peter Klaaysen (posted 30/11/2011 7:39:18 PM)

I honestly hope we grab him! Plays for nothing, and if he stuff up, band, he's gone! Come on Dons take the gamble...

- Aaron Salmon (posted 30/11/2011 7:58:45 PM)

Its good to see we are recruiting on charachter as well, it sets a good example to the younger players and good atmosphere around the club

- John Beach (posted 30/11/2011 8:39:25 PM)

What? Seriously disappointed. He is a bloke who is willing to do anything for the club he loves on minimum wage to turn not just his career around, but his life around. Plus he is exactly what we need. Not happy.

- Mahad Adam (posted 30/11/2011 8:47:57 PM)

How quickly people forget the times he didnt put the effort in, Especially with the half arsed attempts at chasing the ball. Unfortunately his best game was near the start on Anzac Day. Goodbye and good luck.

- Gavin Jones (posted 30/11/2011 8:48:57 PM)

Well said Brad.

- mark herbert (posted 30/11/2011 8:49:41 PM)

This is extremely dissapointing. I adore Andrew. He is a very exciting player with his burst of speed. I was very excited and hopeful that we would get him back home in the mighty red and black for season 2012. He would do well under James Hird. If we get Fevola like I have heard in rumours, I will scream so hard with indignation that they will hear it in the EFC boardroom 200km's away. Thanks to those who have suggested we may still pick up Andrew in the rookie draft, you have given me a glimmer of hope to cling to.

- Rita Sharrock (posted 30/11/2011 8:55:24 PM)

An influence absolutely not needed around our emerging talent. Showed no discipline or commitment to our great club, when given plenty of chances by the club. Certainly don't want to be made too look stupid like he made St Kilda look. A great decision.GO DONS

- Danny Hodge (posted 30/11/2011 9:00:53 PM)

Give him a go. I don't see we have anything to lose

- Jeff Moore (posted 30/11/2011 9:06:51 PM)

Spot on Nathan Schultz. He had his chance.

- Steven Boyle (posted 30/11/2011 9:22:22 PM)

He would fit into our side again,no doubt with his pace and goal scoring potential. However,some here forget his behaviour whilst at Essendon - and it doesn't meet the standard set by Hird,Thompson &Evans. I'd love to see him back in the r&b in 2012 but it won't happen.

- Mary Tovey (posted 30/11/2011 9:33:02 PM)

TOO MUCH BAGGAGE, HE HAD HIS CHANCE,IT IS A SHAME, AS HE HAS SO MUCH TALENT. ANNE BRIAR HILL

- anne aa (posted 30/11/2011 10:19:32 PM)

2 years ago we had 2 picks before collingwood and could have taken luke ball who would have been great help for jobe....lovett i know may be a risk but with 6 rookie spots available take the punt....also with hurley having a stuffed foot gumby stuffed hammys and crameri with a dodgy shoulder maybe fev for a year or 2 could be the answer

- pete anderson (posted 30/11/2011 10:24:59 PM)

come on essendon he is there to be picked up let the members vote on it and lets see remember the members make the club a power housei,m sure if we look back on history essendon has given other players a second chance he was found not guity we can go on and on about this just pick him GO LOVETT

- Joe Muscara (posted 30/11/2011 10:49:36 PM)

come on members and non members lets flood e-mails to the club saying we need speed in the midfield we need andrew lovett

- Joe Muscara (posted 30/11/2011 10:53:26 PM)

Was a great player but Lloydy (Book: Straight shooter) doesn't come straight out and say that Lovett was one but hints that there were young guys who weren't disciplined enough and were out on the town too much. Maybe he was one. Got to back the club here.

- Daniel Milford (posted 30/11/2011 10:56:17 PM)

Great he had his chances !!

- hairry potter (posted 30/11/2011 11:09:27 PM)

That's right Andrew, No means NO!

- John Elwood (posted 30/11/2011 11:31:14 PM)

Harry, I say, Draft Fevola, play him in the 2's just so no other team can have him. if the Hawks get Fevola, I'm dropping a hunge on them for the flag next year coz they'll be unbeatable with Franklin, Roughy and Fev up forward.

- Josh Byrne (posted 30/11/2011 11:32:05 PM)

As others have i'm just giving my thoughts weather right/wrong .I believe we should pick up lovett as his talent can't b denied.With the coaches we have now who can guide him on/off the field there's no reason why he cant perform 2 the standard we know he can.I'm 1 in the belief of giving a person a chance 2 redeem themselves 2 become a better person.

- patrick dimech (posted 30/11/2011 11:35:16 PM)

Al Catraz, it looks like you won`t be supporting the Bombers top side next year then. Also, you suggest Carlton to be your second team, you obviously don`t bleed red and black.

- Cory Williams (posted 30/11/2011 11:37:45 PM)

WE need a top player with his pace,skills, and he know were to find the ball

- Kingsley Kennewell (posted 30/11/2011 11:39:40 PM)

Very disappointed would love to have him back. Fantastic player. We need him. Loved watching him play, very exciting and a nice guy.

- Jeanette Jennings (posted 1/12/2011 7:32:04 AM)

I'd rookie him, this would give him a chance to prove himself again and hopefully we could get 12 more games into him to bring the father son rule into place. That rule is a free hit in a system where you don't get any. Think of Geelong, they only needed to give Mark Blake 1 more game to secure his offspring in the future

- Leigh Russell (posted 1/12/2011 8:32:17 AM)

Its it short sightedness or is it arrogance? Lovett has not been convicted of any crime but he had made mistakes. There are others at the club including a coach who have all been given second chances. Tie Lovett up, in a water tight contract, even put him on antibuse. He is a ready made player and he is eating humble pie. He says he is prepared to do what it takes and play for zilch. That's an offer where the EFC cannot lose. If he screws up - sack him. Ssurely its worth considering?

- Margot-deepa Slater (posted 1/12/2011 8:33:21 AM)

Poor decision. Were desperate to add midfield class (Caddy). Lovett a ready made classy midfielder who would play for nothing (club desperate for member contributions for new training facility) and finally history shows not all the youngsters they want to develop will make it. GET LOVETT.

- Ralph Lepore (posted 1/12/2011 8:48:10 AM)

What part of WINNING can't the club understand? He could add heaps, cost nothing and if he understands one indiscretion means the End then I say go for it!

- Stephen Dawson (posted 1/12/2011 8:57:16 AM)

EI can you tell me how many rookie selections we will have and also what is happening with our scholarship players Nick Ryan and Oliver Tweedale...are they available for us this year?

- Leigh Russell (posted 1/12/2011 8:57:32 AM)

Leigh, we have 6 selections in the Rookie Draft. I will find out more about the scholarship boys and their situation and let you know.

- Essendon Insider (posted 1/12/2011 9:17:29 AM)

That is great news about Laycock Peter! Is taht who Jimmy has his eye on. Whew - I thought the Dazzler was making a comeback - in a purple dress of course!

- Brad Scarr (posted 1/12/2011 9:18:19 AM)

Awesome debate, and both sides have a good arguement - but I have to get to work! Thanks EI for the quick updates (makes up for your sleep in earlier this week). Bring on the rookie draft!!

- Brad Scarr (posted 1/12/2011 9:26:26 AM)

mmmm, apparently hirdy said the other day if fev was a midfielder he would look at drafting him,begs the question right or wrong why not lovett?

- trevor jones (posted 1/12/2011 9:53:09 AM)

Hey Thomas; great call!!! Remember the last time we took a bloke from Ainslie? He turned out ok.

- Andrew Charlton (posted 1/12/2011 9:57:57 AM)

I'm hoping this is just to put others off the scent. How long are we going to be a developing side? When are we going to have a crack at challenging. This is the sort of bloke we need if we are going to push up to top 4. But more than that, this would be a really good thing to do for Lovett. He can be rookied and told he is starting from last place and that the structures are in place to support him in his come-back. If he doesn't work out, no harm done, but we've given him a chance to better himself and the team.

- Andrew Charlton (posted 1/12/2011 10:03:06 AM)

Smells like corporate Essendon has overtaken ESSENDON HEART! I will put a lot more into the Flight Plan if we can find a place for Andrew Lovett. He is fit and ready, he is a gung midfielder, a match winner, he loves EFC and the price is right. What good is a Flight Plan and a list management strategy which can't respond creatively in a situation like this?? Let's just do it and the obstacles will fall away. FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BRAVE!

- Kam Saraswati (posted 1/12/2011 10:31:40 AM)

He said he would play for nothing.... Just play him when we need him. We need DEPTH!

- John Zairis (posted 1/12/2011 10:56:10 AM)

I would have thought the Club knows better than all of us who is appropriate for the List, and it seems they've concluded that Andrew does not fit our future plans. That's good enough for me, as it would have been if they had decided to rookie him.

- Graham Flynn (posted 1/12/2011 11:09:34 AM)

IF HE GOES TO COLLINGWOOD CARLTON HAWTHORN GEELONG. THEY WIN THE NEXT 2 or 3 FLAGS... AND ITS ON YOUR HEAD ESSENDON MORE FOOL YOU !!! if you cause that filthy dirty rotton collingwood to even equal our premiership tally that is unforgivable in my eyes and its the A League for me

- Ian Welsh (posted 1/12/2011 12:18:44 PM)

give andy a chance jim, if it does not work out weve lost NOTHING.

- victor sindoni (posted 1/12/2011 12:37:15 PM)

I think that Hirdy and co. see our window of opportunity for a flag opening in 3 or 4 years, Lovett has already turned 29, so he would more than likely be well past his best by then. At this stage it is better for us to develop young players rather than bring older players to our club. Also, let's not forget how often Lovett mucked up when he was with us. I was a big fan of his exciting play, but he is not right for us now.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 1/12/2011 12:40:49 PM)

That's it Essendon, lets keep to our unimpressive slow small midfield we have. Love your work.

- Michael Walters (posted 1/12/2011 1:14:36 PM)

Besides age, time out of the game, fact he would take a younger player's spot, locker room dynamics, club staffer dynamics, media distractions... As someone mentioned above, St Kilda took Lovett based partly on recommendations by Hird. Look how he returned that faith. Right, he was not convicted of anything, but he put himself in two compromised situations (being PC there) before he even got a kick. As for playing for free (which is never on and Lovett did himself AND EFC a huge disservice by saying that), it would also mean he had no obligation to stay. Forget the highlight reels of Lovett and TRY to see what he would bring back to this club in the long term.

- Kris Bayne (posted 1/12/2011 3:27:05 PM)

both lovett and fev would be good additions to growing and developing our youth, especially on the rookie list.... Sheedy brought back Timmy Watson for a second go and we won the premiership in a convincing manner?

- Marcus Greer (posted 1/12/2011 3:39:18 PM)

Its got to do with so much more than ability. He clearly fell out with the group enough to leave in the first place, sometimes you just burn your bridges and there aint no going back.

- tim j (posted 1/12/2011 4:39:41 PM)

Yes, bring back Laycock!!! There is a reason he was a top 10 draft pick, and will be in his prime now as a big fella.

- Davor Stanic (posted 1/12/2011 4:46:01 PM)

Very well summed up Kris, you continue to be the voice of reason. I am sure that you see the Andrew Lovett situation the same way that Hirdy and co. do.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 1/12/2011 4:54:44 PM)

For once show some backbone. Give the guy a break. What a sight to see him cutting Carlton up again. Hirdy I hope you read this~ remember how you took Cupido under your wing in an Anzac Day Game ? Imagine if u turn him Lovett around ! But I'm only dreamin Forgot the fact we have no backbone !

- Terry Kucz (posted 1/12/2011 5:07:02 PM)

Marcus G, "both lovett and fev would be good additions to growing and developing our youth, especially on the rookie list...", OH?, how, pray tell, and are you seriously comparing A. Lovett and T. Watson?? Has this site been invaded or something?? EI, knock twice if you are safe!!

- Kris Bayne (posted 1/12/2011 5:08:22 PM)

Wonder whether JL is eligible to be picked Davor... very interesting..:-)

- Noel Shields (posted 1/12/2011 7:17:09 PM)

Right again Gordon & Kris, as long as they don't rookie list any other "older" or "injured/injury prone" player it's a list decision.

- Mark McLachlan (posted 1/12/2011 7:28:01 PM)

Lovett was never a disciplined player on or off the field. The club has moved on & it's time for us supporters to as well. We need a ruckman & five youngsters who will contribute to our great club. Lovett had his chance & he let everyone down.I doubt any club will risk him.

- Susan Joost (posted 1/12/2011 10:03:58 PM)

I'd put him on the rookie list. He's declared he's prepared to pay for peanuts, so let's offer him another chance. Could pay off big, and shouldn't cost much (if anything). Worth a punt - I remember him at his best, and his best was brilliant.

- Ian Harrop (posted 2/12/2011 3:19:51 AM)

Jason Laycock is a quality person, young family (including 2 boys) and his best is of high AFL standard. Just turned 27. Coming off a B&F with Burnie Dockers. Not that I see us promoting 6 rookies, but Longy cannot hurt (wrong word) to give another season. Laycock, Long, Tuck, any help with the other 3 Martin Gol? If we don't list them, well I'm gunna run off and support - No-one else is there?

- Brad Scarr (posted 2/12/2011 7:20:53 AM)

He who dars to take the risk, wins the golden fleece. Sometimes, you've got to stick your neck out and risk it. How many times did we see Hirdy and others do that on the field? The EFC could elevate its position into the top 4 with one or two x factor players. Think about it carefully and leave the self righteous stuff alone, everyone makes mistakes. The EFC would not be left with egg on their faces, they would be seen as giving the bloke a go. This is a most interesting scenario.

- Margot-deepa Slater (posted 2/12/2011 9:58:35 AM)

Brad, you cannot be serious about Laycock and Long. They will breakdown again. Tuck is worth a go.

- Ralph Lepore (posted 2/12/2011 11:18:52 AM)

All the egg has disappeared Margot.. bobby has it all stock piled in his little house..but you are right,nothing ventured nothing gained with lovett,but i dont think james and bomber will change what they have said about platers near the age of 30

- raibee """"bobalina"""" dazzler (posted 2/12/2011 11:39:13 AM)

That is the beauty of having six rookie spots Ralph. They are rookies, quality rookies at that. Just my opinion as a supporter mate. There are a couple of small forwards and a small backman that Jimmy plays regularly that I would rather see rookied - just my opinion again. The beauty of a forum.

- Brad Scarr (posted 2/12/2011 3:06:42 PM)

One of my favs , so i would love to see him back and we have no:13 ready for him .

- shayne painter (posted 2/12/2011 5:05:49 PM)

Laycock is certain more rational than some suggestion we have seen posted. Still 27, a ruckman, knows/known at EFC, maybe a point to prove, no 'baggage', had shown some talent (Lovett's ANZAC Day medal could have been Laycock's). Has he nominated? Has his desire matured? Is the body AFL-ready? Too much time out of it (though rucks are different from mids)? Interesting idea.

- Kris Bayne (posted 2/12/2011 6:00:14 PM)

Indeed there is no-one else except ESSENDON Brad. The one-and-only club. As for rookie selections, Dec13, let's keep the powder dry until next weekend. Then we'll light them up!!!

- Martin Gol (posted 2/12/2011 8:12:54 PM)

Bring Lovett Back

- Nicolaas Schrama (posted 2/12/2011 9:35:21 PM)

Bring Lovett back

- Rita Sharrock (posted 4/12/2011 10:05:55 AM)

Please give Andrew Lovett another chance. He is a class player with that X factor few have and an ace user of the ball. Don't contemplate recycling ex-Carlton players - they are never any good! While Zaka gets most of the credit for the Anzac Day win in 2009, it was Lovett who probably turned the game for us with his sensational run. The club has many coaches and gurus, but not enough class footballers at the moment. If his head is in the right place, give him a chance!

- Greg Deakin (posted 6/12/2011 12:50:18 AM)

Take a gamble & rookie young Charlie Riewoldt, reasonable bloodlines, was playing seniors at a very young age, his brother & cousin are pretty fair players as were his father & 3 uncles...oh & have a real good look at Boseley, we need Key defenders badly

- Mark McLachlan (posted 6/12/2011 12:32:42 PM)

He's obviously grown up a lot in the last few years. Would be crazy not to bring back easily one of our best players from a few years ago. I'd like to see bombers going top four next year not 2016 personally. WE NEED A MIDFIELD NOW!

- jesse breen (posted 6/12/2011 10:32:19 PM)

Well said Greg Deakin.

- Rita Sharrock (posted 7/12/2011 9:21:41 AM)

Don't really want Andrew only because of his age, he is a proven x-factor but would rather get him than Longy who will only be onthe long term injury list or the coach's cousin who would be drafted for that reason only as he has stated we have enough forwards then recruited O'brin

- Mark McLachlan (posted 7/12/2011 9:49:48 AM)