It’s been more than a year since Jesse Lonergan first broke down with a serious hamstring injury, ironically, against Hawthorn in round nine last season.

Boasting a match-hardened frame capable of withstanding the rigours of playing AFL football, Lonergan was taken with the No. 13 pick in the 2012 national draft, recruited as a ready-made replacement for departed SUN Josh Caddy.

But games came hard to come by for the Launceston junior in his maiden season on football’s biggest stage, as wrist and hamstring injuries conspired against him.

Given his long lay-off, Lonergan says he’s more determined than ever to stamp his mark at AFL level.

“I want to cement my spot in the team and I’m going in to make the most of my opportunity,’’ Lonergan told The Courier Mail.

“That means doing my role, for the team.’’

The 19-year-old will start in the green vest against the Hawks this afternoon.

Guy McKenna is confident is young substitute will impact the contest when called upon.

“For some of them, the games were just racking up and all they had to do was turn up and be fit, but Jesse has fallen on some bad luck,’’ he told News Limited.

“But he is a great kid and he can certainly play footy, he is a strong hard fella over the footy and has a slid appetite for picking up the footy which is needed against the Hawks, so it was an easy decision for us.’’

McKenna calls Lonergan “Jesse the Body Ventura” after the 80s wrestling star and says he has been impatient to get him into the side because he adds another dimension.

“He is a bit different, he is built for playing inside because he has this raw power and he loves the contest,’’ he said

“He uses the ball so well also, some of the other boys aren’t as combative as Jesse.’’