Lonergan targeting Round 1 AFL Debut

Young gun Jesse Lonergan is targeting the Gold Coast SUNS Easter Saturday blockbuster against St. Kilda as the launch pad for his AFL career.

The super talented and fearless 18-year-old was taken as the GC SUNS first selection in last year’s AFL national draft, after playing three seasons of senior football with the Launceston Football Club.

The 182cm Tasmanian midfielder proved to be an early Christmas present for the GC SUNS, arriving at the club with the size and strength of a more established AFL footballer and despite the sapping Queensland heat taking it’s toll, Lonergan quickly adapted to the Club’s tough training environment.

The GC SUNS new recruit is confident of his chances playing Round 1 however acknowledges that there is plenty of competition and lot’s of work to be done before the start of the season proper, hopeful of pushing his case for senior selection during next months NAB Cup tournament.

“Everyone is eyeing off for a spot in the first round, meaning there is a lot of strong competition around the club.

“But I’m certainly looking to make that side by showing my improvement on the track.”

Lonergan admitted to goldcoastfc.com.au that the physical nature of the club’s gruelling summer camp had taken it’s toll as  strength and conditioning coach Steven Schwerdt increased workloads prior to the Christmas break.

“The workload that we have done as a playing group over the summer has been exhausting.

“It was so demanding that I was falling asleep by 6pm everyday… but my body has become more accustomed to the program and I am finding the training much easier than before.”