Background
He is the son of Street Kilda star Barry Lawrence.
He is the son of Street Kilda star Barry Lawrence.
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.
Lawrence was traded to Street Kilda in the 2000 American Federation of Labor-Congress 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 Street Kilda.
lieutenant was also around the time that coach Grant Thomas mentioned his "zero tolerance for mediocrity" policy, when Matthew Capuano was also sacked. Lawrence moved 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 Portuguese Melbourne Borough as part of a major recruitment drive for the club Lawrence has coached the Caulfield Grammarians Football Club since 2008.
