News

Lonergan learning from the best

Thursday, 3 November 2011
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Key midfielder Sam Lonergan says he is preparing for a demanding and gruelling pre-season campaign under the direction of new high performance coach Dean Robinson and coach James Hird.

Watch the full interview here on BomberTV →

The 24-year-old, who was limited to 12 games in 2011 following a torn medial ligament, said he was looking forward to completing a full pre-season campaign after returning to Windy Hill early to jumpstart his preparations.

“Dean is very highly regarded and he brings in a wealth of knowledge so, despite the pain I’m sure we’re about to go through over the next couple of months, we’re definitely going to be better off for it,” Lonergan said.

“Both Dean and Matthew Egan have already been great and it will be interesting to see what else they can bring and what they can produce in the next 12 months with the playing group.

“Dean is a very intelligent man and he is very demanding from what he wants out of the playing group, which is a great thing for us.”

Lonergan said he had recovered well following required knee surgery and would be able to fulfil to the demands of what is predicted to be an intense pre-season campaign.

“The knee is holding up really well. It was an eight week injury and then I managed to fit two games in before the season ended,” he said.

“After six weeks off and back into pre-season now, it is feeling fine and I’m managing really well with the training that is required at this stage.”

“So far, we’ve been very much focused on our leg weights and in six months it’s going to be very interesting to see what we all look like in jeans because there won’t be too many pairs that will fit us.

"But that’s where the game is at – it’s all about power and endurance and being able to run out a game and we really want to get to that level,” he said.

Returning from a holiday in America and Indonesia, Lonergan said he was looking forward to the full squad returning to Windy Hill ahead of the 2012 pre-season.

“I went to America and Bali and tried to squeeze as much as I could in those six weeks but I am now really looking forward and focused on a big pre-season from here on in.”

Click here to purchase your case of the limited edition Dyson Heppell commemorative wine.

PLAYER PROFILE: Sam Lonergan

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I Cant wait 4 season 2012

- MARK JONES (posted 2/11/2011 4:28:18 PM)

I still believe that our top line "in and under" mid could come from within. If Sam can develop further into a hard, tough, skilled unit along the lines of Chapman, Ablett, Corey then he, Watson, Hocking, Howlett, Heppell, Browne, Monfries, McVeigh, Zaharakis, Ross and others could yet make a formidable unit rotating through the middle.

- Wesley Hull (posted 2/11/2011 4:32:13 PM)

go sammy..time 4 a big year from you:-)

- Tasbomber Egan (posted 2/11/2011 5:09:04 PM)

A very under-rated player. It seems his injury is progressing well, so I look forward to his further improvement. He was a great loss, and I agree with Wesley Hull: we don't need much from outside, I think we've got the making already! Good luck, Sam, we're all behind you 100%

- Joan Hill (posted 2/11/2011 5:36:46 PM)

Too true Wes! One of them you have named is past it though. I saw Sam holding down CHF two seasons back. This guy can fill utility roles back, forward and mid. In our best 22.

- Brad Scarr (posted 2/11/2011 6:11:36 PM)

Interesting comment about the leg work and the opposition players mentioned. They are the competition benchmark for power mids and the promise of our guys not being able to fit into their jeans is just the sort of core strength required.

- John Sexton (posted 2/11/2011 6:12:30 PM)

I.M ONE AGAIN IN 2012 go dons lets Reach 60 in 2012

- MARK JONES (posted 2/11/2011 6:39:37 PM)

go sammy we're with you buddy, bring on '12

- Andrew Woolcock (posted 2/11/2011 6:48:40 PM)

BE GOOD TO GET YOU BACK IN THE SIDE AROUND THE MIDFIELD AREA,

- Darren Pigott (posted 2/11/2011 7:47:11 PM)

Got a lot of time and admiration for Sam Lonergan. Good luck in 2012.

- Peter Podgornik (posted 2/11/2011 8:11:18 PM)

For years it has seemed like we've been playing boys against men. The top echelon teams over the years have generally always been big bodied so it is great to see that there is now a definite push to develop the guys physically. Bring on 2012, can’t wait to see the continued improvement across the board. Also excited to see who our next crop of draftee’s are, even though we barely got a glimpse of most of last years class. (Hep excluded of course!)

- Chad Batterbury (posted 2/11/2011 8:39:57 PM)

Great to have you back, Sammy

- alec shiffman (posted 2/11/2011 9:06:06 PM)

Well said Wesley. Remember that we'll have 2-3 'recruits' back in Pris, Winders, and Dempsey too!

- Graeme Blore (posted 2/11/2011 9:47:23 PM)

I was impressed with Sam's return to the contest at the end of the season. He plays fearlessly and is a most damaging mid-fielder. I expect Sam to continue to build on his already fine form and to develop into Heath Hocking's equally evil twin in 2012. :)

- Angeline Baron (posted 2/11/2011 11:23:05 PM)

Plenty of class the other side of the fence too.... in the forums :-) Well said all.. Go Dons :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 3/11/2011 3:19:40 AM)

I don't doubt that this bloke will get where he wants to go with the fitness and toughness required to be a top shelf midfielder; don't forget to keep working on the skills though! Disposal skills are what will set guys apart at the end of the day with all else being equal

- Andrew Christie (posted 3/11/2011 8:05:52 AM)

Wes, he is real good one, an old fashioned, no frills player, with u all the way with 5 of the players u mention & with a bit of luck 2 others, just need a lot more pace, no use getting the ball and getting caught, Jobe can get away with the lack of leg speed due to his strength, awareness & footy smarts, still need to find at least 4 defenders from somewhere though, bigger need than our midfield

- Mark McLachlan (posted 3/11/2011 9:41:14 AM)

Agree with Wesley. If we can maintain these players (re no injuries)our depth will be good, as promised in 2011 before the much dreaded injuries we copped. Sam your healing & return was inspirational. Good luck, hope you can all find the "fun" in training. Remain MOTIVATED & PURPOSEFUL.

- Gail Taylor (posted 3/11/2011 10:12:39 AM)

Sounds like we have more strong guidance from the coaching panel now. Hope we are able to hold the group we have. Seems as though James' is on track to building Essendon, beginning to see what he was talking about. Now we all need to get behing E.F.C. to do our part and help with getting our training facility up.

- Gail Taylor (posted 3/11/2011 10:17:53 AM)

Excluding the game he was injured (v Hawks), and where has was a sub (Bris game I think), he actually averaged 20 touches a game in 2011. Underrated and provides the Dons with the 'in and under' that we're a little deficient in. Missed his grunt work in the Elim Final.

- Daisy Graham (posted 3/11/2011 10:29:13 AM)

Backs Mark? Sam like Henry, can do the tag. Then we have Fletch, Pears, all the H's, Hooker (not gone, best defender till injured), Hurley (like him better back), Heppell, Hibberd and Hardy and the surprise could be Davis. If not a mid, (Longy), Browney could be a great running half back. Like DM though Raybie, will not be a big supercoach scorer?

- Brad Scarr (posted 3/11/2011 10:36:19 AM)

I thought Sam was really coming off age before being shut down with injury this season. He really stepped up when Watson was out in wining the inside ball, he's a tough and versatile player. In my best 22 for sure. Bring it on Sam!

- tim j (posted 3/11/2011 11:44:04 AM)

Brad, unless Paddy plays back don't have 1 player to compete with the Key tall forwards, Hooker is too slow & getting slower after every hammy, would only be great HB, Pears b4 injury, according to Leigh Matthews & champion data is our most expensive, ave over 4 goals/game, last full game had 4 kicked on him, Fletch, probably last season & not a 1 on 1 defender & apart from Dempsey no pacy small defender, Hurley will be the BEST CHF in AFL, Davey 5 years, gone backwards, watch Hardys game v Blues.. Hibberd., might be ok, the top side showed exactly how bad our defence is, just an opinion mate..

- Mark McLachlan (posted 3/11/2011 12:07:47 PM)

Brad I just think we have about 10 players, great team/clubmen, 100% triers, but have had enough chances, and honestly probably not make any other list & a few others who wouldn't make a top 4 team, If the club is serious about returning as a force, hard decisions have to be made, we have to improve big time, It's not a reflection on the players, every player on our list are a credit to the club & themselves, but we badly need another flag...

- Mark McLachlan (posted 3/11/2011 12:16:29 PM)

Always knew he had talent and hope he has a big year next year.We do have the talent within.Thompson saw talent with the Geelong boys,the supporters and the outside world thought otherwise.We have many supporters who think we dont and should have been active in the trade period,as the outside world.Hird and Thompson see the talent we have and believe in our players,thats good enough for me.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 3/11/2011 1:37:11 PM)

Sammy's my man!

- Luke Smith (posted 3/11/2011 1:42:27 PM)

Interesting comments Mark, and food for thought. For short, pacey backmen, I reckon Dempsey, Heppell and McVeigh do a fine job. Although taller, both Hibberd and Hardingham show they can run out of the backline at pace, are amazing overhead, and are only baby Bombers ATM. Watch this space :). As for talls, still can't go past Fletch, whilst "Velcro" Carlisle has enormous potential. That's just off the top of my head. Angie

- Angeline Baron (posted 3/11/2011 3:05:38 PM)

Before this year I thought Sam was just a fringe player, but gee, he played quite a few very good games this year as a rugged clearance winner who got a lot of the ball. His improvement is probably due to good coaching by Hirdy and co. and him learning by getting games under his belt, as well as a natural gaining of more maturity. (he is still only 24) Interesting to me that Sam has a very high regard for Dean Robinson, like the Geelong players did, and assume still do.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 3/11/2011 4:05:58 PM)

i hope we have the total members on our web site see how many we will reach in 2012

- MARK JONES (posted 3/11/2011 4:32:58 PM)

Angeline, I look at Heppell wing/onballer with so many skills, so far Hibberd, Browne, Ross, Carlile, Spike runs up & down in one spot, again watch Hardinghams game v Blues..!! has to be judged on games v top sides, a lot of our players can play very well when everyone "clicks" we need more like Jobe, Fletch, Heppell (huge bonus) Stanton who we know will play well the majority of games, not undermining Fletchers value to the team but the last 3 coaches vary rarely played Fletch 1 on 1 against the likes of Brown, Buddy etc, they used him as the loose defender using his closing speed and brilliant play reading to assist the other key defenders

- Mark McLachlan (posted 3/11/2011 7:26:07 PM)

Sammy's commitment to the cause has never been in doubt, and last year, before injury, he was starting to make consistent impact. There's a lot of upside still to come for Sam. Can't wait for him to be back.

- Ian Harrop (posted 3/11/2011 7:36:48 PM)

Love it when your in the team Sammy .

- shayne painter (posted 3/11/2011 8:03:42 PM)

Heard a whisper Adam Tomlinson has stress fractures both feet, recurring OP, herniated discs and chronic fatigue syndrome. Pass it on (but don't tell Adrian)

- alec shiffman (posted 3/11/2011 8:05:14 PM)

Oops, Ang missed a bit refering to Hibberd, Browne, Ross, Carlile, they look good with heaps of potential, BUT they still have a long way to go & unfortunately "potential" won't win flags.

- Mark McLachlan (posted 4/11/2011 10:51:39 AM)

This guy has been seriously underrated by some fans his physicality, determination and talent are exactly what we need in the pivot.....as far as the list goes the fact that Hird and Thompson had a crack at Caddy shows that, they, like all clubs know improvement can come from outside as well as inside.

- Wayne Purcell (posted 4/11/2011 2:43:48 PM)

But Mark,"potential" with Watson,Vander,Heard,Merrett,Madden,Clarke,Neagle,Foulds,Hawker,Salmon..etc etc.. did (win a flag),from kids in the mid to late 70's & early 80's.. no need to mention what happened in 1993 with "potential" either... All of them started as kids back then,in your words "still have (had) a long way to go" We are all on the edge of our seats,waiting for "history to repeat",although for mine,at least two seasons at Tulla will be past until we start to get past Prelims.. 12 months on,I still am saying "in Hirdy,Bomber & Crew we trust".. I think many others feel the same way.. Go Bombers :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 4/11/2011 3:37:00 PM)

I see the Adelaide media are reporting Essendon have spoken to Central's Lee Spur. He could well be a ripper pickup as a mature age player. He's 24, playing at the best club in the country outside the AFL, and can play half back, half forward, wing or on the ball.....could be cherry ripe for AFL footy right now

- Johann Sebastian-Wilson (posted 4/11/2011 4:06:27 PM)

Noel, I never doubt your wisdom or logic but those guys had far superior "potential" than half this list, and that type of rapid transformation rarely happens these days, completley different ball game, I hope, as usual you are right, and I will be the first to say I was wrong, I am usually "glass half full" but the way we struggled & leaked copious amounts of goals against very, very poor sides is a worry & no matter how fit a player gets they don't get faster..

- Mark McLachlan (posted 4/11/2011 8:06:54 PM)

We're reminiscing about the "potential" of the two batches of Baby Bombers that they once had Mark,but post career analysing to the forefront.. For mine mate,seems a bit fairer to do the same with the current batch,none of us know whether they will all end up in the same "league" as the BB's Mks 1 & 2.. As far as the negs you make mention of,the kinks can be ironed out by Hirdy,Bomber & Co,which will please us all no end..And the side is far from settled,personnel/position wise.. Cheers :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 5/11/2011 5:00:24 AM)

Mark, I appreciate the points you make, especially when you mention the bid for flags. It's interesting what makes us favour a particular player. You are obviously looking at "elite" potential, a player with absolute/consistent skills and talent. For me, I like to watch all types of players: one percenters, x-factors, etc. Love watching potential develop over several seasons, players growing stronger, smarter. Love to see the impact of coaching over time. That sort of thing. Angie

- Angeline Baron (posted 5/11/2011 10:19:38 AM)

I'm like you there Ange. Like to see us build and develope, get to know and grow with our boys. Our rebuild is five years late. Now though, it is harder with GWS and the Suns. Still cannot believe what we did in the early to mid 00's. Stuffed up big time. Our window has to be in the next 4 years if we are to pinch another flag. Dodoro is on the right track.

- Brad Scarr (posted 6/11/2011 6:51:31 PM)

You are pretty spot on with your comments Mark. Hibbo and Hardy, not in the best 22, no pressure on spots this year, they were pretty safe doing just enough. Tayte was bought in too soon a few times. Will not hurt him though. Fully fit with a pre-season, lookout. Carlisle, Hurls or Paddy CHB? Hanging my hat on Browney and Luke Davis coming through. Not a good sign that our magoos leaked many goals this year.

- Brad Scarr (posted 6/11/2011 7:06:22 PM)

You guys are right on the money regarding rebuild & developing player, players like Heppell, who can mix it with the best are very rare, it takes time & a few pre season tortures to get close, but just how long is long enough, NLM & Dyson 8 years, Davey & Jetta 5 y, none have shown enough to be close to a premiership side, but every club needs a couple like them, they can slot into a stronger side and play well, but along with those guys we have probably another 10-12 who are "back up" players.

- Mark McLachlan (posted 7/11/2011 10:29:57 AM)

Could Setanta be that bad a fit? Key position back or forward, for nothing. Not keen on picking up discarded Bluebaggers (McLean) but I like the way this fella plays.

- Brad Scarr (posted 7/11/2011 1:01:52 PM)

He's a loose cannon, Brad. Remember the Cloke incident ? Wouldn't like to see him here. Even the Irish didn't want him.

- alec shiffman (posted 7/11/2011 2:20:53 PM)

Alec, maybe the Cloke family have a bit of history.!!!

- Mark McLachlan (posted 7/11/2011 3:23:07 PM)

MARK I BELIEVE NLM AND JETTA ARE GUNS IN OUR SIDE,BUT DAVEY DID STRUGLE. BUT TODAYS GAME YOU CANT HAVE ANY WEAK LINKS, THE OTHER TEAMS SHOW US THAT. FORGET THE PAST NOEL AND THE FUTURE IS NOT HERE YET I AM INTRESTED IN NOW ,PLAY THE YOUTH AND GET SOME GRUNT TO. DONS FOREVER

- Stefanos Yannoukas (posted 7/11/2011 5:48:21 PM)

Good kick in the pants never hurt anyone!

- Brad Scarr (posted 7/11/2011 6:19:59 PM)

Stefanos, I appreciate your opinion but that just highlights how far we are behind the pace setters, better players than them have either retired or been delisted so far from other lists

- Mark McLachlan (posted 7/11/2011 10:32:52 PM)

I'm interested in all things Essendon Stefanos,not just one facet of it... To each his own :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 7/11/2011 11:39:33 PM)