General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said the deal is good for all parties involved.
""We are very happy with this deal and it's great for the Essendon Football Club and for Andrew Lovett that a suitable trade could be reached,"" Hamilton said.
""Andrew now has the opportunity to start fresh at a new club and we wish him all the best.
""As things stand, Essendon currently has two first round selections (No.10 and No.16) and a second round pick (No.26) which places us in a very strong position to recruit some talented young players to Windy Hill.
""This trade fits in with our overall list management strategy. We have been committed to bringing through a young group of players for the past two years – and had three Rising Star nominations this year - and we are staying true to that plan.
