Nathan Lovett-Murray says he is looking forward to continuing his family’s rich history at the Fitzroy Stars in 2021.
Lovett-Murray is the son of former Stars’ captain Gary Murray and great grandson of Pastor Sir Douglas Nicholls – who the club’s home ground is named after.
Speaking to NFNL.org.au on the eve of the 2021 season, the 38-year-old said he was proud to continue his family’s legacy at the Stars and determined to help the club in its quest to return to finals football for the first time since 2017.
Lovett-Murray has been pleased with the energy at pre-season training ahead of the return to the football field following the cancelled 2020 campaign.
“It’s been pretty good to be training in the last few weeks. There’s a lot of energy and enthusiasm around and we’ve got a really good young core of players coming through,” Lovett-Murray said.
“It’s definitely an exciting time for the club and we need all the support that we can get.
“As an older player it’s always good to have that many young guys around.”
Following stints at Heywood and Rumbalara – where he last played in 2017 – Lovett-Murray was planning to reunite with former Essendon teammate Dean Rioli for the 2020 season.
He has remained committed to the club for the 2021 season, despite Rioli stepping aside as coach following last year’s cancelled season.
“I really wanted to go back and support the club in any way that I could and whether it’s on field or in the coaching sort of role or mentoring the younger players, I’m happy to do whatever the club needs,” he said.
While his commitments as a development coach at St Kilda will limit his playing time, Lovett-Murray wants to create a positive influence at Sir Doug Nicholls Oval.
He hopes his presence can continue to encourage emerging youngsters within the club and community.
“I want to be able to play as many games as I can and also be a leader out there with my experience and be able to help the younger guys coming through as well,” he said.
“I think on field I won’t be travelling too far from the forward line. I’m obviously getting a bit older and not as fast as what I used to be, but I’m very excited about being a part of the football club.”
Lovett-Murray said he had been enjoying his time working with new Fitzroy Stars coach Lionel Proctor during the pre-season.
Proctor was announced as coach following an illustrious playing career with the Stars, where he was captain from 2008 until 2015, won two Division 2 best and fairest awards, five club champion awards and was named in the Division 2 Team of the Year seven times.
Lovett-Murray is confident the future of the club both on and off field is in good hands under Proctor.
“He’s been really great. He’s a fantastic coach and a fantastic role model for the entire club,” he said.
“He’s been at this club for a long time and to be working with him lately is just really awesome. I’m really excited with the direction of the club under him.”
Lovett-Murray said the club was hoping to set foundations for a more consistent game style in what is shaping to be a very highly competitive MC Labour Division 2 competition.
“I think it’s just about being competitive and just having a real good balance with the way we play, the way we defend and attack and not just being a one-way team,” he said.
“This is all something, with my experience, that I’m trying to teach and educate the players about, just having a bit of a game plan and a balanced one at that.”
Having already taken on EDFL outfit Keilor Park in a practice match, the Stars next take on Roxburgh Park on March 20 in preparation for their Round 1 clash against Banyule on April 10.
