By ZAC MILBANK
It hasn’t taken Jesse Lonergan long to leave an impression on his Woodville-West Torrens teammates.
Despite playing just 14 games in his first Statewide Super League season, the 25-year-old has already been thrust into the club’s leadership group as joint vice-captain.
Boasting 60 games of AFL experience with the Gold Coast Suns, the strongly-built midfielder loves getting his hands dirty at the bottom of the packs to farm the ball out to his fleet-footed comrades.
Originally from Launceston in Tasmania, Lonergan averaged 20 disposals and six clearances last year as he found his feet in SANFL ranks.
Measuring in at a sizeable 183cm and 93kg, Lonergan also showed off the defensive side to his game by averaging four tackles in 2019.
Selected by SANFL Media Producer Zac Milbank, the 2020 Statewide Super League Top 50 is being unveiled one player at a time on the League’s website and social media channels.
Form across the 2019 season was used as a significant factor in the selection process, with those winning awards such as best-and-fairests, being selected in State squads and leadership groups also looked upon favourably.
Recruits to the Statewide Super League have also been included, with significant AFL experience another element in deciding the order of players.
JESSE LONERGAN
Age: 25
Height: 183cm
Weight: 93kg
Position: Inside Midfielder
SANFL Club: Woodville-West Torrens
Community Club: Launceston FC (Tasmania)
SANFL Debut: Round 1, 2019
SANFL Games: 14
48 – Jesse Lonergan (Eagles)
49 – Alex Spina (North)
50 – Logan Hill (West)