Former West Coast Eagles midfielder Andy Lovell has landed a new role at Bond University.
Lovell, who played during the Malthouse era, but also went on to serve the club in other roles – including that of a development coach, player welfare officer and team runner – arrived at the Eagles in 1996 after starting his career with Melbourne.
He missed the premiership successes but played 43 games for the club in addition to the 121 matches he racked up with the Demons.
Nicknamed ‘Chopper’ because he was a wood chopper in his youth in Tasmania, the amiable Lovell is looking forward to the next chapter of his professional career.
“I’m really looking forward to exploring what’s possible going forward here at Bond University and I’m super excited to be joining the Bull Sharks team,” he said.
“I’m confident I bring a breadth of knowledge and experience to the role and will work closely with the players and staff to strive to be the best we can be.’’
After calling time on his AFL coaching career Lovell settled on the Gold Coast where he broadened his experience in senior positions with AFL Queensland and the Clontarf Foundation where he mentored Indigenous athletes.
However, the game he has loved since his childhood in Tasmania was never far from his thoughts and he leapt at the chance to utilise the expertise honed at the elite level to help develop the Bull Sharks’ players and coaches.
“I’ve been so fortunate to have spent over 30 years playing and working in an industry that I love,” he said.
“The game has given me so many opportunities and after a short break I can’t wait to give back.’’
Bond’s Director of Sport Michael Collins said the new position would support the University’s ambition to strive for continuous improvement within the Bull Sharks’ sporting programs.
“There is no substitute for experience and Andy has this in spades having played and coached at the highest level,’’ he said.
“Andy will have a club wide role, but his initial focus will be on the women’s teams so we can maintain our position as the nation’s leader in producing AFLW draftees while being very competitive at the highest club level in Queensland.’’
