Andrew Lovett will miss Essendon’s next two games after being suspended by the leadership group for breaking team rules.

Lovett missed a compulsory training session on Monday morning after being out socialising the night before.

Matthew Knights said Lovett’s behaviour did not meet club standards and he had consulted with the leadership group to determine the punishment.

“It is very disappointing that this has happened,” Knights said.
 
“Andrew will be unavailable for selection for the next two weeks against Richmond and Collingwood but will play for the reserves (Bendigo) next week.

“It is unfortunate because Andrew has been playing really good football and, since his previous indiscretion earlier in the year, he has been exemplary in his training and his attitude.

“It was just a case of being out too late and having a couple of drinks and unfortunately he didn’t make the session. There is nothing sinister behind it and there was no trouble or anything, we just don’t think it was acceptable or in the best interests of our football club.

“It is a slip up from Andrew’s perspective. He is very disappointed and down on himself at the moment but it is just one of those incidents that has taken place and we have to move on and look forward to playing Richmond this week.""
 
 
Knights said it is important for the club's culture - and for the future of the younger players - to make it clear that this sort of behaviour is not acceptable.
 
He also defended Lovett’s character saying he was disappointed for the fleet-footed midfielder because he knew how much he loved to play the game.
 
“He is a fantastic young man and is really good to coach,” Knights said.
 
“He listens really well and I actually have a strong relationship with him after coaching him at Bendigo a few years ago.

“It is disappointing because in full flight he is a beautiful player to watch. He is a fantastic finisher and we saw against Carlton with a couple of goals late in the game.

“It is certainly not the end of him at this football club. We have handed out a penalty which we believe is fair and we move on.""