TonyK
CibbuanoWelsh, Lovett-Murray re-sign with Bombers
November 9th 2009 06:53
ESSENDON midfielder Andrew Welsh and defender Nathan Lovett-Murray have signed new two-year deals which will see them remain at Windy Hill until at least the end of the 2011 season.
It had been reported that Welsh was holding out for a three-year deal but the 26-year-old put pen to paper on Monday, ensuring he will receive life membership at the club for 10 years of service.
Meanwhile, the new contract is a major boost for Lovett-Murray who endured a tumultous period this season.
The 27-year-old was charged with possessing a drug of dependence after a single ecstasy tablet was found in his home in August.
The Bombers backed Lovett-Murray and allowed him to continue to train and play with the senior group. He will face court later this month.
Essendon general manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said Welsh and Lovett-Murray were an important part of the club's future.
"Andrew and Nathan are two of the real leaders at the club and as two senior players with strong bodies they will be important to our future success," Hamilton said.
"Nathan played some really good football this year and, while Andrew was restricted with a serious leg injury, he returned and also showed what he is capable of."
"They will both now have a big pre-season and we expect them to be primed for 2010 and show their trademark courage and determination on the field."
Welsh has played 145 games in eight seasons with the Bombers while Lovett-Murray has managed 99 appearances after being promoted off the rookie list in 2004.
Meanwhile, the future of utility Adam McPhee remains in doubt.
The Bombers are yet to re-sign the 27-year-old who has been linked with a move back to his former club Fremantle.
McPhee has notched up 142 matches with the Bombers for a total of 167 after he was traded from the Dockers at the end of 2002.
He earnt All-Australian honours in 2004 and won Essendon's best-and-fairest award in the same year
It had been reported that Welsh was holding out for a three-year deal but the 26-year-old put pen to paper on Monday, ensuring he will receive life membership at the club for 10 years of service.
Meanwhile, the new contract is a major boost for Lovett-Murray who endured a tumultous period this season.
The 27-year-old was charged with possessing a drug of dependence after a single ecstasy tablet was found in his home in August.
The Bombers backed Lovett-Murray and allowed him to continue to train and play with the senior group. He will face court later this month.
Essendon general manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said Welsh and Lovett-Murray were an important part of the club's future.
"Andrew and Nathan are two of the real leaders at the club and as two senior players with strong bodies they will be important to our future success," Hamilton said.
"Nathan played some really good football this year and, while Andrew was restricted with a serious leg injury, he returned and also showed what he is capable of."
"They will both now have a big pre-season and we expect them to be primed for 2010 and show their trademark courage and determination on the field."
Welsh has played 145 games in eight seasons with the Bombers while Lovett-Murray has managed 99 appearances after being promoted off the rookie list in 2004.
Meanwhile, the future of utility Adam McPhee remains in doubt.
The Bombers are yet to re-sign the 27-year-old who has been linked with a move back to his former club Fremantle.
McPhee has notched up 142 matches with the Bombers for a total of 167 after he was traded from the Dockers at the end of 2002.
He earnt All-Australian honours in 2004 and won Essendon's best-and-fairest award in the same year
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