For big-bodied Tasmanian Jesse Lonergan, 2015 was a year of education.
With injuries striking down many of the SUNS’ key players, Lonergan was forced to play a variety of roles across the ground from lockdown small defender on the likes of Eddie Betts and Mark LeCras to a negating midfielder running with the competiton’s elite in Scott Thompson, Matt Priddis and Trent Cotchin.
In a six-week block between rounds 17 and 22, Lonergan averaged 20.3 possessions to go with 6.2 clearances to be one of his team’s biggest contributors.
On Sunday in Gold Coast’s opening NAB Challenge game against the Brisbane Lions in Burpengary, the 21-year-old took his game to another level to earn best-on-ground honours in his team’s 25-point win.
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Lonergan finished with 23 disposals (16 contested), 10 clearances, six tackles, four inside 50’s and two goal assists to provide real grunt inside an engine room missing its four biggest names.
The 21-year-old also provided plenty of polish for the SUNS, going at a disposal efficiency of 78.3% in very windy conditions with only Touk Miller and Tom Keough more effective for the visitors.
Lonergan was able to log plenty of midfield minutes late last year alongside Miller, Aaron Hall, Mitch Hallahan and Michael Rischitelli and the synergy between the SUNS emerging midfielders was on show at the Moreton Bay Sports Complex.
“Last year we played a lot together because of the injuries, it’s just good to have our first hit out and really show what we’ve improved on in the pre-season,” Lonergan told SUNS TV after the game.
“It’s the first hit out for the NAB Cup so it was a good opportunity for the first year boys we drafted this year like Callum Ah Chee and Darcy Macpherson, they were really solid today and a good impression for the first game.”
Gold Coast dominated many of the key indications against the Lions, winning clearances 42-29 and contested possessions 148-115 despite tallying 28 less disposals on the day.
Lonergan said both contested and uncontested possessions were a real focus for the side in its opening hitout of 2016.
“I think contested possessions and our uncontested work I guess,” he said.
“It was well documented last year that we got smashed in the uncontested with our oppo (opposition) and I guess that’s something we really want to improve on this season.”
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As for personal goals, Lonergan’s focus for the remainder of the NAB Challenge series is to build on his impressive first-up showing and ensure he’s a part of the round one side to take on Essendon at Metricon Stadium on March 26.
“I guess trying to work myself into form,” Lonergan said.
“Just cement my spot in the 22 and just try to improve and continue my form.”
