In just his seventh game of AFL football Tom Lonergan’s life changed forever.
It was a match between Geelong and Melbourne in 2006 at Kardinia Park – which ended in a draw – and ended with Lonergan having an extended stay in a hospital following the removal of one kidney after a collision with Demon forward Brad Miller.
The Cats 2011 premiership player told SEN’s The Run Home that although he’s proud of his achievement as it’s one he never thought he would reach.
“To be honest, this week is probably the first time I’ve ever looked back on it all. I never thought I’d get to 200. I thought 50 would be good, but 200 is great,” Lonergan said.
The cornerstone of the Cats defence attributes reaching his 200 game milestone to a thorough preparation and luck with injuries since his unfortunate incident in 2006.
“I pride myself on preparing the best I can, having a really good training programme and facility at the Cats helps. I’ve been very fortunate since the accident in 06, I’m lucky I’ve never done soft tissue injuries or anything like that.”
Lonergan’s 200th will be played against Brisbane at the Gabba this Saturday night and following the Lions upset win over Essendon last weekend, he said that Geelong won't be taking them lightly.
“Every week any team can beat you," he said.
"We’re still trying to get a gauge on where we are at really, I know it’s cliché but we just have to keep trying to build momentum towards September.”