LONERGAN MISSION
IT’S MAKE OR BREAK:
SUNS midfielder Jesse Lonergan says 2018 is make or break as he tries to secure a spot in the team’s best 22 under new coach Stuart Dew and prolong his career at Gold Coast.
Armed with a one-year deal that he signed in October, Lonergan is determined to prove his career in Queensland can extend past six seasons.
“Having that one-year deal, it’s a make-or-break year for me,” Lonergan said.
“I was lucky enough to get the one-year deal.
“I just really want to make the most of this year and with a fresh start with Stuey coming in as well I’m just really looking forward to the year to come.”
The hardened midfielder was originally taken by the Suns with pick 13 of the 2012 AFL draft.
He battled injury early in his career and played 33 of his 55 games in 2015 and 2016 when Gold Coast’s midfield stocks were shattered by injuries.
Lonergan managed nine more last year under former coach Rodney Eade and was reportedly part of a group of senior players including Brandon Matera, Trent McKenzie and Matt Shaw who were on the market during October’s trade period.
Matera (Fremantle), Shaw (Carlton) and McKenzie (Port Adelaide) all moved on but Lonergan said he was always confident of staying at the Suns.
“We were both in talks for quite a while so I always knew what was going to happen so I was always pretty confident,” Lonergan said.
The 23-year-old Tasmanian said he was feeling well after a successful and injuryfree pre-season.
“The body is feeling good,” Lonergan said.
“I guess every year you want to come back in really good nick, improve your fitness levels and improve your footy IQ so that has been my aim.
“I have tried to give myself the best opportunity to do that.”
Lonergan said he would continue playing in the midfield but was expecting to spend time at forward and in the backline after training in all roles this summer.
The Suns are working towards the JLT Community Series. Their first game is against Geelong in Townsville on March 4 and the second against Brisbane at Southport on March 11.