| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Birth | 19 May 1976 |
| Recruited from | Southport (QLD) |
| Playing career¹ | |
| Debut | Round 3, 16 April 1995, Brisbane Bears v. Sydney Swans, at Gabba |
| Team(s) |
Brisbane Bears (1995–1996) |
| ¹ Statistics to end of 2003 season | |
| Career highlights | |
|
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Steven James Lawrence (born 19 May 1976) is an Australian rules footballer. He is the son of former St Kilda star Barry Lawrence.
Contents |
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.
Lawrence was traded to St Kilda in the 2000 AFL Draft, and was part of some aggressive recruiting by the Saints in that season.
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.
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.
In 2006, he was signed by the Port Melbourne Borough as part of a major recruitment drive for the club.