St Kilda, Lovett reach settlement
St Kilda have finally settled the legal dispute with Andrew Lovett over their sacking of the former AFL player early this year.
Lovett was traded from Essendon last October and signed a three-year deal with the Saints worth more than $1 million.
But he was sacked in February, without playing a game, a day after being charged with rape.
Lovett had been seeking a damages claim through the AFL's grievance tribunal, but the tribunal decided in April to postpone its hearing until after the criminal case is heard.
Lovett then took the tribunal to the Victorian Supreme Court to seek to have that decision overturned, with the court yet to hear that application.
But they will not need to, after the Saints said on Friday they had reached a settlement with him.
"St Kilda Football Club and Andrew Lovett can confirm that they have reached a confidential settlement of the disputes relating to Andrew's employment with St Kilda and all associated legal proceedings," the club said in a statement.
"This now ends all matters between St Kilda Football Club and Andrew Lovett.
"This settlement has been welcomed by the AFL and the AFLPA (AFL players' association), who both assisted the parties to reach this resolution and the parties thank them for their involvement."
The Saints said neither they nor Lovett could comment further given the confidential terms of the settlement.
Lovett's committal hearing, which will determine whether there is sufficient evidence for him to stand trial over two counts of rape, is scheduled to start on August 10.
Lovett played 88 AFL games for Essendon between 2005 and 2009.
The Saints gave up a first-round draft pick for Lovett and they planned to use his pace and skill to bolster their midfield.
Lovett had a history of off-field problems at Essendon, but St Kilda said they did their research before signing him.
When he joined the club, the Saints were confident they could make the trade a success.
He is set to re-start his Australian Rules career this weekend in the WAFL with East Perth, for whom he played before joining the Bombers.
The 27-year-old is scheduled to play against Peel Thunder on Sunday.
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