Tough inside midfielder Sam Lonergan is jumping out of skin, as he prepares for his first match in the pre-season period.

The fact it will be his initial outing with Richmond, and it will take place in his home town of Launceston in Tasmania, adds a fair bit to the occasion for him.

Lonergan underwent ankle surgery last September, after damaging it in the final home-and-away round of the season while playing for Essendon.

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He was subsequently delisted by the Bombers, where he’d played 79 games in seven seasons, and then snapped up by Richmond in the December rookie draft.

Now, following an extensive stint in the Tigers’ rehab. group, Lonergan is ready for a return to on-field action . . .

“It’s been a long build-up and a lot of hard work, but I’m very excited, and it will be great to be back home in Tassie playing the first one,” he said.

“We pinpointed this game out about a month ago, we stuck to the plan, and now it’s come off.

“I’ll probably play about a half of footy down there, which is really exciting for me.”

Lonergan received strong support at Tigerland during his recovery time.

“You don’t want to go to a new club and be in the rehab. group and not with the main training guys, getting to know them.  But the Club has been really good and the guys have been really supporting,” he said.

“The ankle’s feeling really good, the body’s in great shape, and I’m looking forward to building up some match time and playing some good footy . . .”

The prospect of being involved with the talented Tiger midfield also holds considerable appeal for Lonergan.

“I’ve spent the past seven years playing against these guys, so it’s been good to come here and see them first hand, see how ‘Cotch’ moves, and learn from different types of players,” he said.

“The midfield that this club has got is elite.  It’s one of the best in the competition and it’s very exciting to have an opportunity to be a part of that at some stage throughout the season.”