A broken wrist and a few hamstring complaints restricted Jesse Lonergan in his maiden AFL season, but Lonergan is looming as a new recruit for Guy McKenna in 2014. 

The 19-year-old midfielder came to the Gold Coast as an impressively-built teenager, ready-made for AFL football.

Like many teenagers, his body couldn’t cope with the weekly demands of AFL football, but now, knowing what to expect, Lonergan is ready for 2014.

Stephen Schwerdt – in consultation with the club’s medical staff, opted to ice the Tasmanian for the remainder of the season after round 18 last season in a bid to ensure he would be ready to complete a full pre-season over the summer.

And after completing all but two of the club’s training sessions, Lonergan is on course for plenty of game time in 2014.

Speaking exclusively to goldcoastfc.com.au, Lonergan said morale around the playing group was high with NAB Challenge fast approaching.

Playing through the midfield and across half-forward during the club’s match simulation training earlier this week, Lonergan is expecting to spend more time rotating through the middle alongside Gary Ablett, Jaeger O’Meara and Dion Prestia.

“Yeah we’ve been doing a lot more training leading into the NAB Challenge, as we prepare to play Essendon in a couple of weeks.

“I played primarily through the midfield and half-forward, so looking forward to hopefully gain some exposure through those areas of the ground this year.”

Sporting a much leaner figure at 90kgs, Lonergan has shed 5kgs on the treadmill, and he’s already noticing the difference.

“Just in the match simulation you do feel a lot more mobile. It’s working so far so hopefully I’m on tune for a good year.”