Gold Coast Suns' recruit Jesse Lonergan after being selected at the AFL National Draft. Picture: Glenn Hampson Source: Gold Coast Bulletin
THERE is only one thing lacking in the package Jesse Lonergan brings to the Gold Coast Suns - fear.
With so many talented, skilful and dedicated young footballers to choose from, the Suns' first selection in the AFL national draft - No.13 - landed on a man-sized 18-year-old whose competitive instincts have been honed from three seasons of senior football with Launceston.
All the scouting reports on the 182cm inside midfielder detail a player whose ferocious attack on the footy was learned the hard way, playing against men who would think nothing of flattening a kid who first tasted senior action as a 15-year-old.
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"It taught me don't be scared of it - attack the ball," the Tasmanian said.
"If you're scared you get hurt even more.
"There's a few bullies back home so they pick on the young guy.
"You've got to beat them with your own skill."
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The Suns insist they did not plan to draft a ready-made replacement for Geelong-bound youngster Josh Caddy.
But that is virtually what Lonergan is.
He does not have that spindly look of most draftees, and boasts in impressive physique that could be ready for an AFL debut in Round 1.
The Australian Institute of Sport graduate said he also learned much from his uncle, former Bomber Sam Lonergan, who "belted me up when I was a kid so that's why I've put on a bit of size".
Also welcomed into the club is Woodville-West Torrens forward Tim Sumner.
Suns recruiter Scott Clayton said Sumner, 18, had some special qualities, attributes they were delighted to seize with pick No.55.
The 187cm exctiement machine can play in defence, or up forward and has good aerial skills.
"I've seen him take mark of the year as a forward, land on one foot and then kick a goal," Clayton said."
But he can play in defence so he is quite versatile.
Suns coach Guy McKenna criticised his player's hunger to win the football at time last season so the club should be enthusiastic about its selections.
"We love the way Lonergan goes about his footy. He's a real clearance, inside tackling machine," Clayton said.
"There's a lot more improvement in him but he still played a grand final with Launceston.
"We hadn't thought of him as a replacement for Josh Caddy but he's certainly going to play that position.
"He's physically ready to play."
The addition of two mid-sized players should compliment the earlier arrival of tall Claye Cameron who was a Queensland zone selection for Gold Coast.
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