In the Round 16 clash against West Coast he spent the first half in the forward-line, before being moved to the back half. He spent time on Eagles’ forwards Damian Adkins and Drew Banfield. ""That is the second time I have played in defence. I spent a little bit of time down there against Brisbane.
""My defensive skills are an area of my game that I need to improve on a bit more, so it was a good opportunity,"" Lovett-Murray said. ""If you get caught out, your man can kick a goal on you. That sort of happened to me a few times. My opponent kicked a goal on me when I was running forward.""
Lovett-Murray was elevated from the Rookie List prior to Round 1. He debuted against Port Adelaide in a match he would prefer to forget. Personally, Lovett-Murray’s season has gone from strength to strength though since his debut. He has played a further 14 games and is slowly cementing a spot in the senior line-up.
""I thought if I did the hard work over the pre-season I might get rewarded with a game or two. To play 15 games, I am pretty excited with the way things are going.""
Bomber coach Kevin Sheedy praised the efforts of the younger players in the side’s 44-point loss to West Coast. Lovett-Murray was one of those younger players that Sheedy was referring to. He collected 17 possessions, took five marks and booted one goal in the Round 16 match. ""Sheeds has been really good. He tries to make us feel part of the senior team, not just making up the numbers,"" he said.
A highlight of Lovett-Murray’s performances has been his high marking. He isn’t afraid to take a leap in the air and has provided Essendon fans with lots of excitement this season. Lovett-Murray said he probably wouldn’t get as many opportunities to take some big grabs if he is in the backline. ""If the opportunity comes I will try and mark it. I probably have to learn to spoil a bit more though when I am playing in the backline,"" he laughed.
