Steven Lawrence
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For the Zimbabwean-born Australian rules footballer for Hawthorn, see Stephen Lawrence (footballer)
Personal Info | |
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Birth | May 19, 1976, |
Recruited from | Southport (QLD)
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Playing Career¹ | |
Debut | Round 3, April 16, 1995, Brisbane Bears vs. Sydney Swans, at Gabba |
Team(s) | Brisbane Bears (1995-1996) 13 games, 1 goals |
¹ Statistics to end of 2005 season | |
Career Highlights | |
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Steven James Lawrence (born May 19, 1976) is an Australian rules footballer. He is the son of former St Kilda star Barry Lawrence.
Contents |
[edit] Brisbane career
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.
[edit] St Kilda career
Lawrence was traded to St Kilda in the 2000 AFL Draft, and was part of some aggressive recruiting by the Saints in that season. He proved to be a solid player, and formed a very good friendship with Fraser Gehrig, who he still remains close friends with to this day.
[edit] Sacking
In 2003 Lawrence was involved in a car accident due to drink-driving and was immediately sacked by the St Kilda Football Club. It was also around the time that coach Grant Thomas mentioned his "zero tolerance for mediocrity" policy, when Matthew Capuano was also sacked.
[edit] VFL career
Lawrence returned to the VFL, playing with the Williamstown Seagulls. He became their captain and also played in the Victorian VFL State of Origin clash.