Andrew Lovett's career looks over.

The AFL career of troubled St Kilda recruit Andrew Lovett, 27, looks all but over, with Victoria Police set to charge him this month over the alleged rape of a woman.

Police sources said officers last week finished collecting statements and intended to charge Lovett on summons in the coming weeks, most likely with rape.

The alleged victim, 23, gave police a statement on the night of the alleged attack and the complaint had been formally lodged, sources said.

She told officers on the night she was raped by Lovett while asleep, according to police.
The former Essendon star remains suspended indefinitely by the Saints pending the outcome of the investigation.

It is claimed he raped the woman in teammate Jason Gram's bed at Gram's apartment in Port Melbourne after a night out in Richmond last month.

The alleged victim was left to sleep in Gram's room, where the alleged rape took place.

The alarm was raised after the woman told another resident of the house she had been raped. Gram was apparently distressed when he found out what had happened.

The woman then called a former boyfriend, who plays for AFL club Collingwood.

He called triple 0 to report the alleged sexual assault.

Lovett was interviewed by detectives from the South Melbourne CIU on December 30. Police are continuing their investigations. He has not been charged.

The AFL backed St Kilda's decision to suspend their recruit indefinitely on Christmas Eve.

"St Kilda Football Club can confirm that Victoria Police are investigating allegations made by a woman against Saints player Andrew Lovett, which is reported to have occurred in Melbourne in the early hours of this morning," the Saints said in a statement.

"The club is currently gaining a better understanding of these allegations and as a club, St Kilda is treating the matter very seriously.

"At this time, the club has suspended Andrew Lovett indefinitely.

"Andrew will not be involved with the club in any shape or form until a further decision is made."

Club chief executive Michael Nettlefold would not speculate on Lovett's AFL future.

Asked if Lovett would pull on a Saints jumper, he replied: "I would prefer not to answer that question - it's not appropriate for me to answer that question."

Lovett was drafted by Essendon with pick 42 in the rookie draft in 2004.

He was elevated to the Bombers' senior list the following year and showed his potential, winning an Anzac Medal against Collingwood in only his third game.

In 2008 he was suspended by the club for all pre-season matches after missing an early-morning training session and was suspended again by the club after again missing a training session the morning after a night out.

He was put up for trade with one year remaining on his contract and was eventually traded to St Kilda last year.

The Saints recruited him on a three-year contract believed to be worth more than $350,000 a year.

In July he received a $900 fine and a three-month licence suspension for twice driving while banned.

- With staff writers

Sunday Herald Sun