Lovett lights up the field in 18s

Taj Lovett has had a cracker of a season this year, but if you ask him, he's simply just playing football. A passion that began in the under 10s with the Parkes Marists because his mates were playing and from watching the footy on TV, has seven years later led to a teenager starting to make a name for himself. Lovett collected some big awards this season and perhaps the most impressive has been the Peter McDonald Premiership 2025 Try of the Year. The award was judged across all four grades with the 17-year-old's spectacular chip and chase to score under the posts in the Under 18s competition rated the best. "I didn't think too much of it," Lovett admitted, following the Peter McDonald Premiership Awards held in Dubbo on 29 August. "I just looked up, I saw there was no full back, I chipped it behind, and just picked it up and scored." What added to this shining moment was that it was done before a home crowd at Pioneer Oval, against Lithgow on 15 June. Unfortunately the Parkes 18s fell short 10-16 in this round 8 match. Lovett, who plays either hooker or in the halves, was also the third top try scorer in the 18s in the western competition at 15 tries, and was the top try scorer for the Parkes Spacemen's 18s. He collected 70 points in 2025, placing him seventh overall in the Under 18s top point scorers and four points behind his fifth-placed teammate Lachie Thomas. At the PMP Awards night, Parkes centre Junior Igila was also named fourth for best and fairest in first grade. During the Spacemen's presentation night on 12 September Lovett received the 43rd Steve Sullivan Memorial Award for Most Outstanding Junior, presented by Steve’s parents Brenda and John, and the Old Boys Award. And while the footy season is officially over, the accolades are still coming in for Lovett. In just his second appearance, he can now add the Koori Knockout Under 17s title to his name. Joining mate and a former Parkes Marist Jaylin Moran, the pair played with the Narwan Eels, based at Armidale, in the Knockout at Tamworth over the October long weekend. The Eels’ incredible defence in the semi-final against Sydney Next Gen set the tone for the grand final against Bundjalung Baygal Warriors. The club and its supporters described their performance on social media as "relentless, disciplined and absolutely frustrating for their opponents". They held strong under pressure to bring it home, winning 8-6, and Lovett scored the Eel's only grand final try. He soaked it all in, especially when the last and first time he played in the Knockout two years ago his side was knocked out in the first round. And making it into the grand final also meant his mum and dad, his family, his friends and the Spacemen community back home could watch him on TV since all the finals were televised. While Lovett hasn't thought too far into his future, for the time being he just loves playing footy with his mates. "And it gives me something to do on weekends," he added. And he has confirmed he'll be back next year. His parents Lionel Lovett and Cherie Simpson are immensely proud of his achievements. "From when he was young through to the 16s and 18s, I feel like he's always winning awards - whether it's a coach's award or players player," Cherie said. "He always amazes me, he puts in 110 per cent every game he plays." Among the remaining Parkes Spacemen Under 18s awards presented at the club's presentation were: Best Back - Oakley Fliedner. Best Forward - Bryce O’Malley. Coach's Award - Ryan Cox. Best & Fairest Charles Dwyer Memorial Shield - Ethan Moran. Jock Colley Memorial Trophy Rookie of the Year - Sonny MacGregor and Grace MacGregor.

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