Essendon targets Burgoyne after Lovett quits

ESSENDON and its speedy onballer Andrew Lovett have agreed to part company, with the Bombers set to make a big play for Port Adelaide midfielder Shaun Burgoyne.

Essendon general manager of football operations, Paul Hamilton, said on the club's official website that Lovett had asked the club to facilitate a trade.

"Both parties believe that a trade is the best option after failing to reach agreement," Hamilton said.
 
"Andrew will be meeting with interested clubs in the near future and we are confident a suitable trade deal will be reached."

Lovett, 26, was close to joining Geelong at the end of the 2008 season, but a proposed trade deal that also involved Cats Brent Prismall and Kane Tenace fell over, partly because of Geelong's salary cap issues.

Lovett played 88 games for Essendon, and had his best season in 2009, during which he appeared in 21 matches.

The Bombers have confirmed that they are in the mix to recruit Burgoyne, the Power's vice-captain, who has requested a trade to a Melbourne club.

Essendon officials met Burgoyne and his management on Thursday.

"Shaun wants to move to Melbourne and we are one of the three clubs that he has expressed an interest in joining," Hamilton said.
 
"Naturally there is plenty to discuss and work through and we will just have to wait and see if he wants to come to the Bombers and if we can secure a suitable deal." 

Essendon has also told rookie-listed players Rhys Magin, Bryce Carroll, Kade Klemke and Thomas German that they won't be retained next season.

None of the four played a senior match in 2009, although Magin played four matches last season.

Irish recruit Michael Quinn, who played six senior matches in 2009, and beanpole ruckman Christian Bock will be retained on the list.