Cats duo to be one-club players

Geelong defender Tom Lonergan has re-signed with the club until 2015 Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

TOM Lonergan's miraculous career will continue into its tenth season, with the veteran defender joining Andrew Mackie in committing to Geelong until 2015.

The pair were both free agents at the end of next season, but manager Anthony McConville confirmed both had quietly signed contract extensions late in the season.

Lonergan was close to death after an on-field collision in 2006, waking from an induced coma to be told his entire blood supply had been replaced three times in emergency surgery.

Now the 28-year-old has a premiership, 97 games under his belt and added responsibility given Matthew Scarlett's recent retirement.

Geelong never lost faith in Lonergan, and he has returned that by forgoing the chance to up his price on the open market as an unrestricted free agent next year.

He would likely be on the borderline of the top 25 per cent of earners at Geelong, so might have been able to walk for nothing.

Mackie's position in the team was also in jeopardy when he was dumped by Mark Thompson in the 2010 finals campaign, but he has bounced back to play 45 of the last 48 games.

The 28-year-old will join Lonergan in ending his career at Geelong after being taken at pick seven in the 2002 national draft.

McConville said their contracts were done - as most were at Geelong - with a minimum of fuss.

"They both wanted to be one-club players and we have been able to agree to fair and reasonable terms," he said.

"I think all the Geelong players have been in that position of knowing and understanding the realities of keeping the group together. They have sacrificed financially in order to have that success and it's what they have agreed to in that time.

"It's a great story for Tom, just looking back from where he was with his injury, but to play in a premiership finally and also be nominated in the All-Australian squad. It's just a great reward."

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