Despite a slow start in 2009, Lovett-Murray produced an excellent finish to the year, playing the best football of his career in the final five weeks of the season. Was swung from defence to the wing and even had a stint up forward, displaying great courage in the air and on the ground. Should play midfield and half-back roles in 2010.
Nathan Lovett-Murray started 2004 on Essendon's rookie list, recruited from 2003 Rookie Draft, and was promoted early in the season, making a big impression, playing 20 senior games and kicking 21 goals. He is a versatile player who can play as a forward, on the wing or off half-back.
He remained on the rookie list for the second year in a row in 2005, allowing Essendon to use a selection in the pre-season draft which saw Ty Zantuck arrive at Windy Hill.
Lovett-Murray was rewarded for his selflessness when he won the Best Clubman award at the Crichton Medal ceremony. He was promoted once again to the senior list early in 2005 when the team was hit with long term injuries to Adam Ramanauskas and Andrew Lee. He displayed great poise under pressure and provided bounce out of defence, particularly in the last part of the season.
He had a solid 2007 season and was 10th in the Club's Best and Fairest . He has become an important team member as a midfielder or a running defender.
After a solid pre-season at the beginning of Season 2008, we saw in the NAB Cup what Nathan is capable of doing up forward, that he can play at both ends of the ground.
Player honours: Best Clubman 2005
Brownlow Medal: Votes: 1
Draft history: 2004 Rookie Draft, selection 27
Club: Essendon FC
Number: 42
Height: 190
Weight: 86
DOB: 18-11-1982
Debut: 2004
Games: 101
Goals: 57
Recruited from: Bendgo Bombers, Williamstown