We are delighted to officially announce the appointment of Sam Lonergan as playing coach of the Launceston Football Club from 2016.
Sam joins us from SANFL club Glenelg where he has spent the past 2 seasons as playing assistant coach.
Born in Launceston, he grew up down at Beauty Point and now with a young family, he has decided to return home to take on a senior coaching role in the Tasmanian State League.
Sam is already very familiar with the Launceston Football Club, as he played 95% of his junior football at the club, winning multiple best & fairest’s. He is also the uncle of ex-Launceston FC junior and now Gold Coast Sun, Jesse Lonergan.
He made his senior debut on the 3rd May 2003 against Devonport at Windsor Park as a 16 year old and went on to play 23 senior games for the Blues, whilst playing for the Mariners and also 8 games for the Tassie Devils (VFL).
He was drafted with the 50th pick in the 2005 AFL National Draft by the Essendon Football Club, where he went on to play 79 senior games and kick 39 goals between 2006-2012. He then spent a season at his beloved Richmond, playing 2 games before retiring from the AFL. From there he has spent the past 2 seasons at SANFL club Glenelg racking up 28 games in the SANFL.
Current Coach Scott Stephens, has stepped aside to allow Sam to take the reigns of the Blues with work also playing a big part in his loyal and selfless decision. We thank Scuba for all he has so far contributed to the football club and stepping aside to allow Sam to return is a fantastic selfless act to further help expand the Launceston Football Club. He shall remain at the club as an Assistant Coach.
We would like to extend a massive welcome back to the club to Sam and also a massive welcome back home to Tasmania for his family.
Sam Lonergan Profile:
- Launceston: Juniors-2004 – 23 Senior Games
- Tassie Mariners: 2004-05
- Tassie Devils: 2005 – 8 Games
- Essendon: 2006-2012 – 79 Games (39 Goals)
- Richmond: 2013 – 2 Games
- Glenelg: 2014-15 – 29 Games (10 Goals)
Totalling 141 Senior Games