ESSENDON speedster Andrew Lovett’s biggest challenges remain off-field, says coach Matthew Knights.

Knights said he was disappointed in Lovett, after the club announced this week that the midfielder faces charges of driving while unlicensed.

Lovett lost his licence last year following an accumulation of demerit points. He will appear in court later this month.

Knights conceded he took the incident "personally", although he added Lovett had "taken some huge steps" both on and off-field.

"Andrew has been a very consistent player for our club this year," Knights said.

“I didn't have a lot to say to Andrew other than to say he had to take responsibility for his own actions, and he's done that.

"His best footy is in front of him, but his challenge is to always stay consistent off the field, so we'll continue to work with Andrew on that.

"That's our responsibility as a club and coach. You've got to continue to support people and educate people and make them better.

"He's an important player for us, so we'll keep working with him."