Basketball
16 December, 2024
Lovel's fairytale ending
On Saturday, Matt Lovel joined Horsham greats Tim Wade, Cam Bruce, and Tim Pickert as 200-game players for the club. In the process, he won his third premiership, following wins in 2018 and 2022.
Lovel has done extraordinary things for the Horsham Basketball Association. While he hasn't officially announced his retirement from the game he has played all his life, if he does retire, he will retire on a high.
"I think it's the end, as I have said many times that if I can beat Mount Gambier in a final, I would be happy," Lovel said.
"I have done that. I got the 200, and I think it's time for the other kids to take over."
Lovel described the emotions of the final two minutes of the match.
"I was on edge, but when we got a couple in a row, I started to feel more relaxed," Lovel said.
"When it felt like it was done, I had that relaxed feeling, but I don't think it has fully hit me yet."
It was extra special for Matt as his brother, Jono, returned from a decade-long hiatus to play this season, and his parents, Bill and Anne, proudly cheered them on.
Bill Lovel said he is proud of his kids.
"It's always good to see your kids succeed," Lovel said.
"You know they have put in the hard work, and seeing them get rewards is fantastic.
"Even if they lost, I would be proud like I am with all my kids."
