Geelong coach lauds Lonergan’s courage

Geelong coach Chris Scott still struggles to watch the sickening on-field collision that resulted in Tom Lonergan being placed in an induced coma.

Lonergan underwent emergency surgery and lost a kidney in 2006, when he went back with the flight of the ball and was crunched by Melbourne’s Brad Miller.

Lonergan, who is using the 10-year anniversary of the incident to raise awareness for blood and organ donation, recovered and remains a vital cog in the Cats’ defence.

Scott, renowned as being a hardman throughout his 215-game playing career, says the 32-year-old’s courage is unparalleled.

“I hate looking at it (footage of Lonergan being hit),” Scott told Fox Footy.

“It was pretty serious for Tom and for him to play the way he still does now … he’s been remarkable.

“There’s crazy courage but then there’s courage when you’ve had the severe injury he’s had. It’s a different level.

“Whenever someone gets seriously hurt … the running joke inside the Geelong footy club is at least you’ve got all your internal organs.”

Meanwhile, Scott forecast making up to four changes to the side that defeated Brisbane by 60 points.

Jimmy Bartel, Josh Caddy, Daniel Menzel and Nakia Cockatoo are all set to return.

“They’re all ins. No doubt. It’s just the outs are much harder,” Scott said.

“I guess to qualify my answer – there is doubt around the four of them.

“The week before the finals, how do we (drop four players to) get them all in?

“It’s Monday. I’m not going to speak to the public .. before I’ve spoken to the other coaches.”

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