Tom Lonergan - We were wrong

[bulletproof]

Is now a gun defender, not just a stopper but also an athletic gorillia and composed on the ball.

I apologise to Tommy and our departed coach Bomber who showed faith him.

I was wrong!

 

[Geelong_Sicko]

I dunno if it truly had anything to do with it, as it happened so long ago now, but it seems to me that Tom's finally gotten over the last of his nervousness after losing that kidney. He is now the footballer Bomber wanted him to be. Chris Scott and the GFC in general, it's time to reap the rewards!!!!!!!

 

[Generalissimo]

Well, he certainly doesn't stress about full forwards barreling into him from behind which for Lonergan would be forgivable. The way he is always so eager to get to the front position rather than going the spoil from behind reminds me a lot of Matty Egan.

 

[Glassjaw]

I've always praised his stopping ability. He did a great job on Franklin last year too. Just don't give him the ball in a pressured situation. It's also his position relative to team structure that has garnered most discussion (at least by those who have an idea).

 

[YIIIABLETTT]

Loved his game today.

Comprehensively beat one of the best forwards in the comp after it looked as if he was in for a big one early.

I salute you sir.

 

[Turbocat]

Is now a gun defender, not just a stopper but also an athletic gorillia and composed on the ball.

I apologise to Tommy and our departed coach Bomber who showed faith him.

I was wrong!

Good on you BP , takes a big man to do it.

 

[Mr_Bojangles]

Fantastic, if he could take an overhead mark to the equal of Northampton's finest Harry Taylor then he'd be just as good.



And, yes, I was one of the ones who doubted him.

 

[Spermbird]

Has done a couple of jobs on Franklin now, definately can get the job done on the main weapons from the opposition

I was unsure about him down back at first but he really has grown into the role and deserves being in the first pick 22 at this point in time.

It really does show the character of the guy as he was obviously done as a forward. Few people reinvent themselves as key position backs after his start.

Looks like the the time in the VFL really paid off. I am so happy we have our own 2nd's to be able to allow for someone to develop like that

 

[Biggy_Boy]

Was a great stopper last year, but the main problem was that he looked slow and indecisive when moving the ball. He's definitely turned that around this year and is not just holding his opponents well, but moving the ball out of the back 50 well too.

Looks a lot more confident and is looking like a really integral part of our backline.

 

[LifeSpan-Void]

Was a great stopper last year, but the main problem was that he looked slow and indecisive when moving the ball. He's definitely turned that around this year and is not just holding his opponents well, but moving the ball out of the back 50 well too.

Looks a lot more confident and is looking like a really integral part of our backline.

Like I said in the 50 game thread for him last year, now he has the experience and confidence his game will blossom. Waiting for comment from TheHoff.

 

[SJ]

This is the third time he's beaten Franklin. People have to assess players for what they are and not for how everyone on BigFooty assess them.

 

[Belisarius]

I was one who was unsure about Lonergan. However as a negative stopper (not an attacking defender) he has shown he is up to the job more and more. Not that one game makes a season.

If he can gain a bit more confidence and composure he could yet become more consistent and improve. If he does Geelong will have someone to take the Gorillas that play forward in the opposition sides. If he can stop Dawes in a months time then he would have taken another step.

Perhaps I should have shown more faith in the selectors down at Catland who persisted in what they saw in Tom.

Now to get a CHF who can do a job (Mooney has been great for us but so far this year has looked a little slow to me) we will certainly be capable of winning big matches against the top sides.

 

[True Blue Cat]

When Bomber said at the end of last year that Lonergan had been our best tall defender for the year i agreed. Even so i still thought he pushed it to another level today.

 

[Tommy the Cat]

he was great today but I wouldn't jizz over one game

 

[Partridge]

Is now a gun defender, not just a stopper but also an athletic gorillia and composed on the ball.

I apologise to Tommy and our departed coach Bomber who showed faith him.

I was wrong!

So was I. Never happier to be wrong about a player. Unbelievable effort today and just keeps getting better and better.

Magnificent.

 

[animalrocks]

Kudos to Tommy.

For me, Harry Taylor looked completely off his game very early on. Tommy just had a great game from the get go. Had to take care of Buddy and did. Thankfully Taylor got on with things from the 2nd quarter in a big big way.

Lonergan was fantastic.

 

[Jhye Clark 13]

Absolutely magnificent display from Lonners and has become an integral part of the defence. Before the kidney injury i can be quoted as saying the man could be anything with his courage and ability to read the play, and over the last year or so he is starting to get the confidence back and nullify big game performers.
I was one who didn't think he would fullfil that promise after the horrific injury, but boy he is just as important as Taylor and Scarlett in the back half.
Excellent game today and is starting to prove everyone wrong.

 

[catswhiskers]

Tom offers a very valuable mix of height AND speed. He is quick.

 

[hbk_aus]

he was great today but I wouldn't jizz over one game

It hasnt been just one game mate. Its been consistently solid performances and some very big scalps, including Buddy more than twice. People see what they wanna see i guess...

 

[alfy!]

Yeah, he has become rock solid now down back.

 

[winty]

This is the third time he's beaten Franklin. People have to assess players for what they are and not for how everyone on BigFooty assess them.

Buddy's kryptonite - defenders with one kidney?

Another great game from Lonners.

 

[Jimmy Yamazaki]

Yup I was a lonners basher too.. but certainly on the up.. Keeps improving and is definitely in our best 22

 

[year of the cat]

Add me to the list of past detractors. Is now an integral part of our backline - the one big bodied tall defender that can take on the gorillas. Well done Tom.

 

[mac_cat]

Well done to Tommy, he's shut down Buddy again and looked very assured and confident, a solid member of Geelong's star backline. He said as much in his interview on 774, if you didn't hear it on the radio you can listen to it here.

 

[JUBJUB]

Is now a gun defender, not just a stopper but also an athletic gorillia and composed on the ball.

I apologise to Tommy and our departed coach Bomber who showed faith him.

I was wrong!

What's this "we" ?
I've been on the Tommy bandwagon since his return from injury a few years ago.Last year he was our best tall defender.

Not sure why Bruuuuuuce seemed suprised Lonergan did the job on Franklin - he's done it before.

Great game TL