Jesse Lonergan has experienced plenty of highs and lows in football over the past fortnight.

After so long on the sidelines with hamstring and wrist injuries, Lonergan finally got the call-up to the senior team last week with the bonus of making his return to the AFL in front of family and friends in his home city of Launceston.

The experience quickly soured with horrendous conditions greeting the teams at Aurora Stadium, and the scoreboard looked even worse as reigning premier Hawthorn thumped the GC SUNS by 53 points.

Lonergan’s effort was one of the few highlights, though, as he picked up ten touches and five clearances after he came on as a substitute early in the second half.

There was no green vest on Saturday for the Tasmanian, who got little rest as teammates fell around him like nine-pins in the clash with Collingwood. There was no complaint from the 19-year-old, though, as he experienced the best moment of his short senior career to date in the five-point win over the Magpies.

“I’ve missed a few wins the boys have had and it’s great to be involved again,” Lonergan said.

“Pretty stoked with tonight’s effort.

“It was a massive win against a good club like Collingwood. They’re a top-eight side.”

Lonergan revealed the players spoke about not letting each other down pre-game, and with just 18 fit players, they played that pact out to the letter.

“We had no rotations in the last quarter and we just finished it out with a great team performance.

“We focused before the game just not to let each other down. We definitely did that today.

“I guess we should be proud of this win.”