Prior to the player’s final training session before flying out to Sydney, McKenna told reporters at Metricon Stadium that the enormous pre-season task of playing against the premiership midfield would be a great opportunity for Lonergan to prove to the SUNS coaching staff that the talented 18-year-old could shoulder the pressure of performing in marquee contests.
“We’re certainly looking forward to the challenge of going down to Sydney to take on the reigning AFL premierships,” said McKenna.
“For our younger players like Jesse Lonergan, it’ll be a great opportunity to take on the (Josh) Kennedys, the (Kieran) Jacks, and the (Ryan) O’Keefes of the competition who have proven themselves as premiership players,” said McKenna.
After going head-to-head against star midfielders Daniel Rich (Brisbane) and Daniel Wells (North Melbourne) during the NAB Cup tournament, Lonergan told goldcoastfc.com.au that the was looking forward to testing his skills against the Swan’s elite quality of midfielders.
“Competing against (Daniel) Rich and (Daniel) Wells over the summer has definitely boosted my confidence in terms of going up against some of the AFL’s elite midfielders,” said Lonergan.
“I’m certainly looking forward to the challenge, and can’t wait to get amongst the action and help the team register a win in Blacktown tomorrow night.”
With skipper Gary Ablett, Karmichael Hunt and Jarrod Harbrow being rested for Round 3 of the NAB Cup, McKenna said trio’s absence would provide other players the opportunity to step up and perform prior to the season proper, with a number of key players returning to senior football after gaining match fitness through the NEAFL competition last weekend.
“Michael Rischitelli will be coming back into the line-up, and he’ll lead the group from the front... key midfielders Dion Prestia and Danny Stanley will also be returning after a stint in the NEAFL competition so I’m more than confident we’ll have enough firepower to compete against the AFL heavyweights,” McKenna said.
GC SUNS fans can watch all the action from tomorrow night’s NAB Cup match live on goldcoastfc.com.au. The live stream of the match against reigning AFL premiers the Sydney Swans will commence from 5:30pm (AEST) with the opening bounce at 6:00pm (AEST).
