Round 23 of the AFL season gave Essendon fans a chance to farewell one of the game’s great fighters, Nathan Lovett-Murray.
The 147-game veteran had to fight harder than most for his AFL career, being rookie-listed twice – by Collingwood and then Essendon – before gaining a spot on the Bombers’ senior list. Once he got a chance at the big time, he made it count.
His raw aggression and athleticism allowed him to be a versatile contributor in every area of the ground. His strong body gave the Bombers grunt in the midfield, while his speed and agility allowed him to play as a defender or a medium-sized forward. On some occasions Lovett-Murray was even given the challenge of rucking (such as in the 2009 Elimination Final against Adelaide), despite standing at just 190cm.
Lovett-Murray is regarded as the best boxer at Windy Hill, and has completed certificates two, three and four in fitness. Put simply, he’s a very well rounded and gifted athlete.
Though his role often changed from one week to the next, his attack on the ball and opposition didn’t. Bomber fans will remember Lovett-Murray as a tough competitor who made his teammates walk taller, but his greatest legacy will be the work he did for the Indigenous community.
He was a great leader for the younger Indigenous players at Essendon and received the Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership Award in 2011. He has been on the AFL Players’ Association’s Indigenous Advisory Board since 2011 and was named the captain of the Indigenous All Stars team earlier this season.
He is also the owner and founder of Payback Records; a music label that signs and nurtures Indigenous talent, such as hip-hop group Yung Warriors.
Lovett-Murray is thankful for the opportunities Essendon gave him, and will fight to ensure other Indigenous people are given opportunities away from the footy field.
“What the AFL’s done in terms of stamping racism out on the field… [they’ve done] a great job,” Lovett Murray said earlier this season.
“In society generally, we just need to be more open and understanding of different cultures.”
Lovett-Murray is one of eight nominees in line for this year’s AFL Players’ Madden Medal. The award is given to a retiring great each season, recognising the player’s contributions to the game both on and off the field. The winner will be announced at a ceremony at the Sofitel on Friday 4th October.