Richmond has selected former Essendon midfielder Sam Lonergan with its second pick (No. 22 overall) in the 2013 AFL rookie draft held today (December 11).

Lonergan, 182cm and 81kg, is renowned for his toughness, determination and strong clearance work. 

He made his AFL debut with the Bombers in 2006 after being recruited from Tasmanian club Lauderdale at pick 50 overall in the 2005 National Draft.

The 25-year-old played 14 senior league games in 2012, to take his career total to 79, before being delisted by Essendon at the end of the season.

In seven seasons of league football, Lonergan averages just over 15 disposals per match, with a career-high 29 recorded against Melbourne in Round 11, 2011.

Lonergan’s tenacious, no-frills approach in the midfield trenches hold particular appeal for Richmond coach Damien Hardwick, who sees the ex-Bomber as valuable back-up to the Tigers’ emerging group of talented, young on-ballers.

Date of birth:  26/3/1987

Height:  182cm

Weight:  81kg

Former clubs:  Essendon, Lauderdale (TAS), Tasmanian Devils, Tassie Mariners

AFL games:  79

AFL goals:  39