This was published 7 years ago
Tom Lonergan signs a new one-year contract with Geelong Cats
By Ronny Lerner
Veteran Geelong defender Tom Lonergan has signed a new one-year contract which will extend his career into a 15th season at least.
The 32-year-old's future had been under somewhat of a cloud for most of the year as the Cats adopted a wait-and-see approach before making a decision on the 2011 premiership player.
Veteran Cat Tom Lonergan.Credit: Getty Images
But after another impressive season in the backline, and the retirements of experienced champions Corey Enright and Jimmy Bartel, Lonergan will remain at Simonds Stadium in 2017.
Having played 186 games, Lonergan is now on track to crack the 200-game milestone next season.
Geelong have also re-signed Josh Cowan and promoted rookie Tom Ruggles to the senior list.
"We are really pleased to have both Tom (Lonergan) and Josh on board for another year. Their football talent, character and the way in which they live our values is an asset to the club," Geelong football manager Steve Hocking said.
"Tom's football is still of the highest quality and we are confident he will continue to be a leader and mentor to our young defenders in 2017.
"Josh is a young man with resilience and his work ethic and attitude towards his football is why he is so respected within the club.
"When things haven't fallen his way, Josh's character has never wavered and we look forward to seeing Josh enjoy continuity in his football."
Cowan finally got a clear run at the end of this season, after hamstring and Achilles injuries restricted him to just five games in his first six years at the club.
The 25-year-old played the last nine games of the 2016 campaign, including finals against Hawthorn and Sydney.
The untried James Parsons has been retained on the rookie list and Geelong have also signed up 19-year-old Irishman Mark O'Connor as a category B rookie.