Lonergan to don hoops next season

Despite losing a kidney in an horrific on-field collision last season, Geelong’s Tom Lonergan is set to extend his AFL tally of seven matches next season after being told he will be placed on the Cats’ rookie list.

The 22-year-old suffered life-threatening injuries in round 19 against Melbourne after wayward knee to the back and, after losing 17kgs in a week and an extraordinary amount of blood, appeared resigned to ending his football career.

Although talks to Cat great Sam Newman, who lost part of a kidney early in his established career, and a better than expected prognosis inspired the key position player to reconsider his options.

Recently hired football operations manager Neil Balme said the chance to play AFL again with a clear mind was a major factor in Lonergan’s decision to play on.

“The club received a report from Tom's surgeon and the prognosis was positive in terms of his ability to continue to play,” Balme said.

“Once that decision was made we explored all of the ways we could help Tom in his quest to return to the senior team.”

The Cats are hopeful other clubs will avoid the inspiring youngster because of the extent of his injuries, which will allow them to rookie him in the December 12th draft.

A grateful Lonergan believes the outcome will benefit all, with the club able to secure a talented youngster in the National Draft and himself able to continue his rehabilitation at a realistic rate.

“The medical advice is that I can play, and I want to get back out there. However I know that there is still a lot of work to do to get back to full fitness.” Lonergan said.

“This will allow me to do that without feeling that I have left the team shorthanded.”

•  Have a view on this story? Send us your feedback!