ANDREW Lovett's manager, Alex McDonald says the fallen St Kilda and Essendon footballer deserves a second chance at AFL level but clubs are yet to show an interest.

And Lovett, who was acquitted of two counts of rape on Monday, is entitled to nominate for the draft under AFL rules.

McDonald told Melbourne sports radio station SEN on Tuesday: "It's been a very long process and occupied Andrew's life for well over 18 months.

"Andrew's career was cut short as a result of the issue. At least now he's got some closure and can move on with his life. To put things in perspective, the most important part for Andrew was ensuring his innocence was preserved and he can walk the streets freely.

"He'll take a couple of weeks to come to terms with everything that's happened over the last couple of months. But he has indicated that he's keen to pursue his AFL career again. At the age of 28, there's no reason why he wouldn't be able to."
 
But McDonald said clubs were yet to inquire about the midfielder.

"We haven't been down that path yet. All our energy has gone towards Andrew's defence. Now that's been resolved we'll give ourselves a little bit of time to come to terms with it all and then see what options are out there.
 
"Some people have said, 'does he come with too much baggage?' Everyone deserves a second chance, and in this case Andrew is guilty of nothing.

"[His reaction] has been one of relief. It's hard to appreciate exactly how someone would feel in that situation. But he's definitely not bitter. He doesn't harbour any angst towards anyone.

"Hopefully people can focus on his football ability. I guess clubs will need to make a decision on whether he can make a difference to their list and whether he fits in as far as culture and behaviour and all those sorts of things."
 
Following the court case McDonald said Lovett "definitely has some unfinished business in football".

AFL operations manager Adrian Anderson said: "Under the AFL's rules, Andrew Lovett is entitled to nominate again for the AFL draft if he wishes to do so, and then it would be a matter if any club chose to select him.

"The AFL believes that any complaint of sexual assault against a woman is a very serious matter and must be fully investigated by police. We supported the judicial process, as did the St Kilda players and the club who co-operated with the police investigation and provided evidence in court as part of that process.

Lovett's former housemate, well-known fitness trainer John Quinn, told The Age the player was capable of making a comeback to the AFL, and used the examples of Ben Cousins and Andrew Krakouer, who were forced to sit out of the game before making a return.

Quinn said: "But it's a brave club that is prepared to take that risk, almost a gamble. I guess for every success, you can tell me of 10 failures.

"Unfortunately, despite Andrew being acquitted of this charge, the perception is there and a lot of damage has been done. Andrew certainly has got the skill and ability and still has time [to return to the AFL]. It depends on whether a club is prepared to take the necessary steps to make it happen for him.

"I don't think the fact he has been out of the game - he was a brilliant footballer and exciting talent - that's not going to stop him from coming back."