Steven Lawrence (1994 - 2000)

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1993 zone selection (http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_drafts?year=1993&t=D&s=P)

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3083/stevenlawrence.jpg

Merrett-Murray Medal results:

1997: =23rd (10 votes)
1998: 6th (56 votes)
1999: 12th (41 votes)
2000: 13th (28 votes)

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Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Lawrence)

Debuting with the Brisbane Bears in 1995, Lawrence was a solid half back flanker who enjoyed a solid career. He came back strongly after two knee reconstructions, where he missed the entire 1996 season (and much of 1997). But he returned midway through 1997 to display incredible toughness in defence.

He was, however, criticised for being a bad influence on some players with his heavy drinking and partying lifestyle. He was criticised by Jason Akermanis on The Footy Show, who later said that it was "no coincidence" that when Lawrence left the club at the end of 2000, the Brisbane Lions won a premiership the next year.

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/3083/stevenlawrence.jpg

Career statistics (http://stats.rleague.com/afl/stats/players/S/Steven_Lawrence.html)

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aflq.com (http://www.aflq.com.au/index.php?id=276)

A fearless defender/utility who defied two knee reconstructions early in his career to play 120 AFL games with Brisbane and St Kilda. Born in Tasmania, he moved with his family to Melbourne aged four and then to the Gold Coast in 1987. A Southport junior, he was an All-Australian Teal Cup choice and Queensland B&F winner at the national carnival in 1993 and played 50 QAFL games with the Sharks before making his AFL debut in '95.

He was best afield in his second AFL game against Carlton at the Gabba and won an AFL Rising Star nomination in his fourth game. Major knee surgery in 1995 and '96 cost him 18 months' football but he re-established his career in '97 and in ’98 kicked a career-best five goals against North Melbourne in Round 19, finished sixth in the Bears B&F and won the '1%er of the Year' award. Also was judged 'Most Improved Player' in '99. Played a total of 81 games with the Bears/Lions before being lured in 2001 to StKilda, where father Barry was a club captain and stalwart.

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/8240/stevenlawrence3.jpg

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Southport Sharks (http://www.southportsharks.com.au/football/hall-of-fame.php)

Played for Southport Sharks Juniors and Seniors and went on to play 126 games for Bears/Lions and St Kilda. Like his father Barry who played for St Kilda a super determined never say die player who won respect through his unwavering commitment to the team and single minded work ethic. Never took a backward step.

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/3083/stevenlawrence.jpg

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Club urges rehab for Lawrence (http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/08/04/1059849341523.html)
By Caroline Wilson
August 05 2003

St Kilda is negotiating Steven Lawrence's departure from Moorabbin and has recommended the 27-year-old undergo a life rehabilitation course before his contract expires at the end of the season. The Saints have unofficially released Lawrence and decided not to play him again this season at any level following a drink-driving incident two weeks ago that left the one-time rising star nominee hospitalised with damaged vertebrae.

Lawrence's accident occurred just over a month after he was involved in another incident in a Melbourne nightclub with Gehrig and former teammate Matthew Capuano. And in April 2000, while playing for the Brisbane Lions, Lawrence injured a finger after smashing a glass door panel at Simon Black's 21st birthday and was fined by the club.

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/3083/stevenlawrence.jpg

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04/23/00 (http://www.afana.com/afl/lisa/afl_lisa_000423.html)

Coach Leigh Matthews has basically told the AFLPA to "butt out" after representatives questioned several players regarding breathalyzer tests. Matthews said he was not trying to suss out anyone who had been drinking but, in light of what happened to Steve Lawrence, was merely trying to point out the effects of alcohol. He said several players were surprised when they tested positive with a .0001 reading. Matthews said the bare tests were probably the result of the guys having a few beers the night before.

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/3083/stevenlawrence.jpg

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October 22, 2003 (http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/10/21/1066631423736.html)

Chief executive Brian Waldron spoke to Lawrence yesterday to tell him of the delisting and said he seemed enthusiastic to play on next year. "He understands this is what we've had to do and and hopefully he'll find another club. He's keen to continue his AFL career," said Waldron, who was reluctant to reveal how Lawrence had fared on a personal level since being delivered the "leave of absence".
"I wouldn't have thought it's appropriate to talk about those issues but . . . from my dealings with him over the last three months, he's been terrific in his attitude and his desire to play elsewhere," he said.
St Kilda recruited Lawrence, whose father Barry once captained the club, at the end of 2000 as as part of an aggressive recruiting campaign that also netted Gehrig, Aaron Hamill and former Kangaroo Capuano.

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/3083/stevenlawrence.jpg

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Link (http://www.lions.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/5085/newsid/53904/default.aspx)

Brisbane Lions' first ever finals team (1997):

B: Chris Johnson Alastair Lynch (c) Danny Dickfos
HB: Andrew Gowers Dion Scott Darryl White
C: Scott Bamford Adrian Fletcher Tristan Lynch
HF: Steven Lawrence Justin Leppitsch Nigel Lappin
F: Nick Trask Daniel Bradshaw Jason Akermanis
R: Matthew Clarke Shaun Hart Marcus Ashcroft
I/C: Craig Lambert Ben Robbins Nathan Chapman

Emer: Brett Voss Chris Scott Shane Clayton