Border Mail |
YARRAWONGA co-coach Chris Kennedy has praised Marc Lonergan’s patience after the key defender was finally picked to play his first senior game of the year.
Lonergan, who returned to J.C. Lowe Oval this season, was forced to ply his trade in the reserves until round 10, thanks to a star-studded Pigeons’ squad.
But he’s earned a recall and will play against Wangaratta today.
And with a host of district clubs circling over recent weeks, Kennedy said the easy option would have been to leave through frustration.
“He’s been very patient, Marc,” Kennedy said.
“I think it says a lot about his character.
“A few clubs have been chipping away at him from around the district and the easy option would have been to go.
“He really stuck it out and I hope he plays well this week.
“He’s really popular at the club and a lot of the guys are excited he’s in the team.”
Kennedy said the Pigeons had the option of playing Lonergan in the ruck, as well as his usual post in defence.
“He’s more than just a key back,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kennedy said Jeremy O’Brien could come back into Yarrawonga’s side this morning after being named an emergency on Thursday night.
O’Brien, who played his 100th match for the Pigeons last week, pulled up sore following the club’s thrilling clash with Albury.
“We named him in the emergencies just in case somebody else pulls out and he happened to feel OK,” Kennedy said.
“He pulled up sore last week.”
Beau Seymour and Ricky Barnes have been sent back to the reserves to get game time, while Ed Bayles is unavailable.
Premiership stars Tyler Bonat, Nick Lawless and Richard Handreck return.
